By Bart Greenberg***A fascinating performance piece presented by La MaMa ETC and Yara Arts Group at the former’s historic theater, The Magic of Light reflects on the history of Ukraine utilizing several parallel stories in various timelines that eventually intertwine for emotional impact. This production utilized 
live actors and puppets, video, music and movement to create its goals, including mixing all of these aspects together so that we see the real life performers, such as the excellent musician, Julian Kytasty, reflected in puppet mirror images. A great many artists contributed to this tale of friendships, betrayal, politics, prejudice and artistic obsession.
The show was created in rehearsal by director Viriana Tkacz, Kytasty (who besides singing and playing the bandura, composed the music), and puppeteer-performer Tom Lee. Zlata Godunova and Caitlin Nuget also appeared on stage as puppeteers and shared their beautiful vocals and elegant movements. Kevin White, Andreea 
Mincic, Linda Vingerter and Kat C. Zhou contributed with creative designs that added immeasurably to the program. The physical aspects of the show told the story as much as the words: the dismantling of a puppet theater, for instance, was emotionally devastating.
The story itself had less impact than the visual elements with so many of them going on at once. The audience was kept distanced from the leading character’s plight since the individual story and political commentary confused matters, as did too many songs and videos. Shadow puppets and illusions were also distracting. It was helpful that the script began with some gentle humor before sliding into darkness and despair along with the main character, but that wasn’t quite enough.
Despite the serious flaws, there was much to fascinate in the performance ,with a special emphasis on the artistry of the cast. As they move forward with his production in their next outing, hopefully they will bring a stronger playwright into the mix to strengthen the backbone of the piece.
Photos by Pavlo Terekhov
