The Shape of Fun (Birds and Forests Included).

PERFORMING arts; FICTION writing techniques; RITES & ceremonies; ARTS facilities; BUCKMASTER, Sue

Since Theatre-Rites and Arthur Pita's ''Mischief'' is aimed at the 10-and-under demographic, it seemed only proper procedure to engage research assistants for a trip to the New Victory Theater, where the show opened on Friday. The assistants, aged 10 and 8, made copious notes during the performance. Afterward I asked for opinions. ''Good,'' said the 10-year-old. ''Very good,'' said the 8-year-old. Any complaints? Criticism? ''No, good,'' they chorused. That trenchant commentary was, from my over-10 demographic point of view, about right. ''Mischief,'' directed by Sue Buckmaster and choreographed by Mr. Pita, is good without being quite as brilliant as a few breathless British reviews suggested when it was commissioned by Sadler's Wells Theater in 2007. Its central premise is the use of long, multicolored foam rods (designed by Sophia Clist), which are used both as scenery and props. Shaped into myriad forms, they are manipulated to spark ingenious vignettes that have the disconnected logic of a cheery dream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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