Providence stands as a backdrop for an extraordinary artistic endeavor. "Society is broken. Let’s fix it with music, like right now." This captivating tagline sets the stage for writer/composer César Alvarez's boundary-pushing and fourth wall-breaking "Noise." The play's Rhode Island debut with the Wilbury Theatre Group has truly inspired thought-provoking conversation and then some.

Uniting Through the Melody of Change

Exploring the Origins of "Noise"

In the early days of civilization, music emerged as the organization of noise, becoming the earliest form of shared expression. This concept forms the foundation of César Alvarez's "Noise." The play brings together a baker's dozen of like-minded individuals who believe that society isn't working. They argue that the root cause lies in the incessant and distracting noise of modern life, particularly the aggressive discourse of frustrated people under the pressure of a dysfunctional capitalist system.Music, with its ability to soothe and inspire, is seen as the key to creating a new and more livable society. The energized troupe, armed with string and percussion instruments, is ready to make music that reflects these ideals. They invite those in attendance to surrender their seats and join them on the inviting, well-lit multi-tiered performance space designed by Christopher Hoyt.

The Journey of "Noise"

Workshopped at Playwrights Horizon Theater School at New York University in 2016 and commissioned by New York's Public Theater the next year, "Noise" is a boldly experimental project. Directed with a soft hand by long-time César Alvarez collaborator Dante Green, it is more of an intellectual exercise than a traditional play. There is no protagonist with a narrative arc, no antagonist to get in the way, and no linear storyline tied to the scripted dialogue.The playbill note from Artistic Director Josh Short suggests that it is a musical, but without the need for songs to define characters or move the storyline forward. Tunes like "The Orchid and the Wasp," beautifully sung on acoustic guitar by Dave Rabinow, serve to augment the discussion rather than drive the plot.There are moments of Kumbaya sing-along, as described by the playwright as a "raucous band-practice-at-the-commune exploration of togetherness." Mini-lessons on music theory and human psychology are also interspersed, offering unique insights. It's like an ayahuasca retreat without the psychedelic experience and vomiting. Instead, Wilbury offers vegan, gluten-free empanadas just before intermission.

Group Therapy and Beyond

At times, the play ventures into group therapy territory, with the actors/musicians serving as gentle facilitators of self-discovery. Rhythmic chanting and call-and-response bring a sense of unity, but at other times, it resembles a cult gathering. However, during the evening performance attended, "Noise" managed to get strangers to slow-dance, share words of loving kindness, howl at the moon, and close their eyes to ponder the possibilities of social change.Throughout history, artists have used their work to call attention to causes and injustices. Playwright Aristophanes was a pioneer in this regard with "Lysistrata." Alvarez's "Noise" simply asks us to open our minds, fine-tune our ears, and turn noise into music.NOISEBook, music, and lyrics by César Alvarez. Directed by Dante Green. At Wilbury Theatre Group, WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence. Through Dec. 22. Tickets are $5-$55. 401-400-7100, thewilburygroup.org.Bob Abelman is an award-winning theater critic who formerly wrote for the Austin Chronicle. Connect with him on Facebook.