If you happen to be in Liverpool on the 31st October then you are in for a treat. Renowned international theatre artist Jonathan Pitts is bringing the critically acclaimed, improv show The Oracle, from the USA to the UK for the very first time. The Oracle is an immersive evening of improvised and collective storytelling that blurs the line between the audience and performer. Today we find out all about it.
Your latest improv show:
This summer we did 3 productions of The Oracle in Chicago, Portland, and San Francisco. In Chicago, we did it on a roof top in a private sharing. In Portland we did it for the Global Improvisational Initiative in a concert hall at Portland State University. In San Francisco, we did it on the mainstage of the San Francisco Improv Festival.
Your favourite suggestion you’ve been given:
There are so many that it’s hard to choose a favourite, but one of my favourite funny ones was “Why must we eat?” (Answer: The food will feel rejected if we don’t) and one of my favourite serious questions was “What’s the difference between love and codependency? (Answer: The space between us.)
Your favourite venue to perform at:
The Oracle has been performed in so many different venues, from an outdoor terrace to a theatre in the round, each venue always plays a big part in the overall vibe of The Oracle and we modify some of the show to fit the venue making the show site-specific. With Liverpool, we’re excited to play in such a beautiful and well-equipped theatre.
Your improv hero:
For me there are so many improvisers around the world who’s work and play I admire and respect. If I had to choose one person who’s work always inspires me it is Scott Adsit (former “30 Rock” cast member and Second City alumni). Scott can lead and follow.
He can support and be the focus depending on what’s needed in each scene or story. He’s great at listening with empathy and openness. He’s got a great character range and a vivid theatrical imagination he expresses through his body and the stage itself.
Dream venue to play at:
Either London’s Shakespeare Globe Theatre or the Soho Theatre. Also, it would be fun to perform The Oracle outdoors at night in Hawaii, lit by tiki torches.
The hardest improv suggestion to perform and why:
Questions that try to be funny (How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie-pop? Answer: 357) instead of truthful or heartfelt and questions that try to stump the cast, “What is the definition of quantum physics”.
These types of questions don’t leave room for the cast to explore possible answers through scenes, stories, or monologues.
Essential items you always take with you to a show:
A good pair of shoes.
Describe your fans in three words:
Humans seeking answers.
What we can look forward to from you from this year:
A great show on Halloween is the UK debut of The Oracle in Liverpool. Bring candy, wear costumes, and bring your deep questions as we share a the ritual of The Oracle together as a community for a night.
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