5711 Avalon: A live cinema experience

5711 AVALON

Shia LaBeouf's mission to extend the creative playground comes to life in the remarkable theater experience of '5711 Avalon.' Founded by LaBeouf and collaborators Bobby Soto and neighborhood kingmaker Bojangles in South Los Angeles, Slauson Rec Theater Company defies traditional theater norms, creating an immersive, collaborative production that breaks down barriers and welcomes all voices.

Set against the backdrop of a vacant lot, '5711 Avalon' captures the everyday struggles and triumphs of frontline lab technicians working at a COVID testing site. With Director Charles Whitcher’s ingenious use of multimedia, the play unfolds before a drive-in audience, blending real-life visuals with a deeply moving narrative. The play skillfully weaves personal stories, highlighting the diverse lives of those who make up our society.

Inspired by Francis Coppola's book 'Live Cinema and Its Techniques,' '5711 Avalon' is a unique example of "live cinema." The narrative unfolds like a love letter to community, solidarity, and empathy. Slauson Rec has created an immersive, improvisational-feeling theater experience that speaks to the immediate and timeless human condition. The play reminds us that despite the odds, creativity can flourish, and collective resilience can thrive even in the most trying times. Avalon's power lies in its ability to capture the essence of essential workers, particularly the Black and Latinx communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. This play is a heartfelt homage to their strength and spirit while highlighting the performing arts' importance in conveying human experiences.

As the curtain falls on '5711 Avalon,' the rec centers and parks nearby come into view, symbolizing the lasting impact of this groundbreaking theater experience. Slauson Rec and its collaborators have extended the playground, offering south central Los Angeles a space for play, adventure, and self-discovery.