Whoo, these titles are KILLING IT.
You may have read my initial post on Red Ash Mosaic, in which I insinuated that I'd seen not just one, but two very compelling pieces of theater recently.
This is that second piece, and it's as far from Red Ash in terms of structure and story as you can get. Which is awesome. Yay! Diversity in storytelling formats!
To have seen two shows in one weekend that were touching is the sort of blessing most theater makers rarely experience.
There's a threshold, I think, as an artist, where you've analyzed and critiqued yourself and others so much and it hasn't made you any more content with your work, when you finally accept that life is in the living of it, and art come as close to the heart of that as possible. And sometimes that heart is messy and unrefined. Sometimes it's calculated and constrained. Love it anyway. Accept it anyway. You'll grow.
Craig Joseph, director of Seat of the Pants Productions, performed a one man show with verve and specificity and heart. From start to finish, he held an audience captive with only himself onstage to tell a story. The script is one of the cleanest, strongest narratives I've witnessed in years. Craig brought it to life, sparking our imaginations, and bringing us with him on the journey.
Days later, on the flight back to Massachusetts, I tear up while thinking about the absurd tragedy of it. And how close to home it hits. We're all living an absurd tragedy, probably. So sad it's funny; so funny it's sad; and, somehow, lovely despite itself. There is no special effect, no level of production value or charismatic dressing up that can take the place of a damn good story. One that is honest, insightful, atrocious, and humble.
It's a good way to live, connecting with one another.
"All art is a test: not intellectually, but spiritually."
My advice: read the play. If you ever get the chance to witness it, I hope you are gifted as generous and compelling a performance as Craig Joseph gave to his audience.