March 3-9, 2005

artpicks

Reality Fights

Imagine all of the worst reality TV offenders thrown together to duke it out on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and you've got Eye of the Tiger: Thrill of the Fight, Uncut Productions' spoof of the genre. The play, a blend of The Real World, Survivor and Celebrity Death Match, is not your typical show. It's a self-proclaimed "multimedia fiasco." What's that mean? "It's a play with projections overhead," says Mei Yann, who says she plays the comedy's "token Asian." "It's interactive — we want everyone to have fun."

Though Eye takes on The Real World, the piece was written prior to the cast coming to Philadelphia. Eye also sold out for three weeks at the 2004 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Its short run at Pure is the "bigger, badder, uncut" version, says Yann. Each performance has a different ending, encouraging repeat attendance.

Anyone who loves a good pop culture reference will appreciate the show, says Yann. At a time when reality TV is losing its fizz, Eye is right on target.

Eye of the Tiger: Thrill of the Fight, Thu.-Sat., March 3-5, 8 p.m., $10, Pure, 1221 St. James St., 215-518-8811, www.uncutproductions.org.

—Kate Salute

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