The driving force behind Illuminate: A Martial Arts Experience is Johnny Shryock, an experienced local photographer, sound and set designer. For this show, he has taken his theatrical background and combined it with his passion for the martial arts. Using a darkened space, LED lights and a dash of humor, the talented group of performers Shryock has assembled have taken what is essentially a martial arts demo and turned into a visually stimulating and entertaining show.

The show revolves around a simple plot, in which an unnamed, Daniel-San-esque character is being bullied. A Miyagi-like master takes him under his wing, teaching him to use might for right. By story’s end, the young man is able to say to the bullies, “Nobody bothers me!“

Much of the time, the theater is in complete darkness. The striking visual element came from the lighting attached to each of the fighters’ hands, feet and weapons. Whether it be a fist or a set of nunchucks, the movements create waves of light, similar to what one might see at a rave. The tool that benefited most from this treatment was the rope dart, an intimidating weapon that became a playful instrument of grace. More than one cast member played each character, but the narrative was always clear because every character was assigned a specific color. A soundtrack comprised of live hand drums and recorded Eastern and electronic music accompanied the on-stage action. For some sequences, strobe and dim lighting was used to create an effective contrast with the majority of scenes where artists faces were hidden. After all, a man breaking four cinder blocks with his fist would be far less impressive if no one could see it.

Illuminate: A Martial Arts Experience has two remaining performances on July 23 and 24. Full schedule and ticket information is available here.