Thumpa Thumpa Theater

I'm always a little disappointed when my first thought at the end of a show is "I feel like I got my money's worth." I guess that's better than leaving with with the feeling that I didn't get my money's worth, but my experiences at the theater--even bad theater--are generally so much richer and worthy of ongoing thought.

But that is exactly the feeling I had last night at the end of Fuerzabruta, the off-broadway experience at the Daryl Roth Theatre in Union Square. Most people I know seem to think that "from the people who brought you De La Guarda" is sufficient description of the show. The show is a hour-long collection of set pieces accompanied by an awesome, pounding techno beat organized around the idea that it takes brute force to get through life.

Fuerzabruta is fiercely creative. You're never amazed with the thought of how did they do that, but always amazed at the thought of how did they think of that. And you're always part of the show. You have to let yourself be seduced. Otherwise, the annoyance of being stepped on as the audience gets shifted around or the combination of mist and powder forms a glue on your clothes will get to you.

After being relocated the first couple of times, I did get into it. I liked being part of the audience. And in the final moments, when you're forced to commit or stay on the sidelines, it was awesome to commit. I think I even registered a little disapproval at those on the margins who refused to jump in and dance in the rain.

So, how best to experience Fuerzabruta. Think of it as going to a club with a circus going on all around you. Does that mean it's for the clubkids? Well, they were there in force and right in the center of things from start to finish. But it's also for those of us who can enjoy and appreciate creativity with a throbbing techno beat.

For those interested, here's the trailer. There's also lots more on YouTube, since there's no prohibition against photography (only flashes). Fair warning, though: my companions felt the trailer gave away 95 percent of the show.