Role of father figure explored at Mayer Theatre

By Kristina Chiapella

Remember the last time you were grounded?

Or the days when you played soccer in the park after elementary school?

More likely than not, your dad was somewhere in the background, pushing you and encouraging you in the way that only a father can.

But how often do we really think about the role our fathers have played in our lives?

This was subject of "The Fatherhood Project," a performance last weekend at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre.

The performance took a close look at the position of fatherhood and ultimately asked the question: "Who are fathers, really?"

The show was the creation of Santa Clara dance program director David Popalisky, who has spent years juggling fatherhood and professional dancing.

Popalisky designed "The Fatherhood Project" in collaboration with composer True Rosaschi and juggler Rock Lerum in order to illuminate these roles in a unique and inspiring way.

The show began with a dark and eerie stage, as Popalisky juggled a hat in a series of Bob Fosse-style moves while voices of children were played over the speakers.

These voices were part of a series of taped interviews that provided a running commentary throughout the show.

Playing the voices in the theatre allowed the audience to hear everyone involved -- the mothers, the children and, of course, the fathers.

The voices were used both for serious and light-hearted speech.

For instance, at one point, the voices on the speakers hilariously repeated the words "he's bald" as Popalisky and Lerum performed more intricate choreography with their hats.

A mess of children's toys was strewn across the stage, and the show's cast of eight fathers appeared to clean it up.

These were members of the "Dads Don't Dance" troupe, a group of real-life fathers who dedicated their time to help bring Popalisky's vision to life.

As the fathers finished cleaning up, a group of Santa Clara dancers portraying their children promptly twirled onto the stage and created the mess all over again.

The cast moved about the stage tossing props such as stuffed animals and balls in a way that was both chaotic and clearly choreographed.

The sharp and acrobatic movements of the younger dancers were often contrasted with the less polished movements of the fathers as they shared the stage.

Enthusiasm was high as clapping and whistling from the audience greeted their antics.

The focus then returned once again to the taped interview segments as the Santa Clara dancers occupied the stage.

Over the speakers, some voices of children vocalized how much they appreciated their dads, while other interviewees discussed the lack of a father figure while growing up.

Mother's voices were also included, presenting statistics on the number of dads who change diapers, help with homework and drive their kids to school.

Many subjects were discussed over the speakers, from issues of communication to the difficulties of divorce.

Overall, the show was an entrancing combination of music, dance and the interplaying relationships between children and their parents.

"The Fatherhood Project" succeeded in capturing the sense of difficulty and love that go hand in hand with fatherhood.

As the trio of Popalisky, Lerum and Rosaschi took a final bow the audience roared its approval.

After the show, the performers participated in a talk-back and spoke on the emotional experience.

"We didn't try to sugarcoat it," said Popalisky.

They explained that their performance took on a sense of reality as they heard their own words coming back to them over the speakers.

"I really appreciate the honesty they brought to those reflections, Popalisky said. "Listening to these stories is a real honor."

The number of hours that the performers dedicated to the project was a phenomenal amount.

"We started in May," Popalisky said.

"I've made a lot of 'dance widows,' " he joked regarding his dancing dads troupe.

Yet despite the time required to make "The Fatherhood Project" into such a success, it was clear the show's cast has found the experience worthwhile.

"I'm looking forward to having dinner with my son and my wife, but I'll miss these guys," one dad said of his fellow performers.

Contact Kristina Chiapella at (408) 551-1918 or kchiapella@scu.edu.