The Surreal Story of the Blue Man Group

By Tristin Zhang

Twenty-five years ago, three newly graduated friends wanted to parlay their interest in design, science, comedy, drumming and music into a career. As anybody who has made some steps down this specific job road will know, however, designer-scientist-comedian-drummer-musicians are in low demand. So the trio started entertaining friends at parties; sometimes they just wandered into New York City bars, bold and painted blue, receiving free drinks just because they were weird. Off the back of this alcohol-for-performance foundation, the uncanny Blue Man Group came into being, uniting percussion, technology and pop culture references.

“The Blue Man Group event is structured so the whole thing can happen to the audience and the Blue Men together at once, and to spontaneously unfold in real time,” says Blue Man Group’s creative director, Bill Swartz. “I won't simply say it's ‘interactive’ or ‘immersive’ exactly – though it is those two things – since those are vogue words in contemporary theater which don't cover enough ground for the special type of shared experience we've been exploring and nurturing with our audiences for so long.”

"It's a chance for us all to free ourselves from the standard norms of modern life. And maybe laugh a bit in the process"

Founders Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink conceived of the show from “nothing more than a general dissatisfaction with the grind of late-20th-century urban life,” as Swartz phrases it, putting the concept together “in a way that resonates with our time right now; that would allow us to build a community and to form the cultural connections that people long for.”

What’s most attractive about the show is how it feels spur of the moment, drawing spectators into the act, and there’s no telling what will take place next. This unpredictability is exciting, like the twists and turns of a roller coaster, and allows the show to come alive in a way that would not be possible otherwise.

And it’s always changing. For a quarter of a century, the Blue Man show has been evolving and adding new experiences that speak to contemporary culture. “Developments in technology and music – being two special and active interests of ours – are very easily incorporated into our shows, and you will see many new and spectacular things in these and other areas.”

The key to success, says Swartz, is to adapt to the current art climate, and the Blue Men have done this astutely.
 
“The themes haven't changed much because they are universal and enduring, but an audience member today that could travel in time would not recognize much specific material from a Blue Man Group show 25 years ago,” explains Swartz.

As the troupe embarks on its first tour to China ever, it will be curious to see how the local public reacts. A significant part of the show relies on audience interaction, which alters the texture of the planned scenarios in authentic and spontaneous ways.

“I can promise that it's a special adventure people will not forget, and a chance for us all to free ourselves from the standard norms of modern life in order to make some transcendent personal connections,” says Swartz. “And maybe laugh a bit in the process.”

And as for the blue? “It was an accident of convenience and simply an artistic inspiration.”

A fortuitous accident indeed, as blue is the most popular color in world.

Oct 27-Nov 13, 7.30pm (Tues-Sun) and 2.30pm (Sat-Sun), RMB100-999. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, North of Yongding Gate, Dongcheng 永定门北

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