Bonanza

A mix of film documentary and art installation, Bonanza was staged with five screens underneath a sophisticated, well-lit model of the town. The film tells a fascinating story of the town of Bonanza, initially filled with 40,000 people as a mining town and now consisting of only seven full-time residents. The five screens worked exceptionally well to contrast the opinions and outlooks of the eccentric people, and the model was a nice aesthetic touch, if arguably a little superfluous. Starting as a sweet, ‘look at how beautiful and remote this place is’ sort of documentary, it morphed into a more interesting insight into personal quarrels and legal disputes. A great concept and an enjoyable performance, leaving the viewer a little confused as to its meaning, but intrigued.

Sallis Benney Theatre, 5 May 2014
Rating:
Joe Fuller