Because of the unique presentation of this "experiment' / "experience" : One actor, no director, no rehearsal, one performance : a cold read, I must offer full disclosure, this is my second review.
After seeing Sandra Tsing Loh's inspired performance and having been a fan of Sharon Lawrence, I asked to see her present the same script that Sandra performed.
Sharon Lawrence did not disappoint!
That said, I must recommend more highly White Rabbit Red Rabbit because in the now two performances I've attended, the feelings.. the atmosphere in the room is so affected by the script that the depth of the author's message is undeniable.
It's a challenge to accept the task of holding forth on a stage essentially flying blind without a net to mix a metaphor. Ms Lawrence succeeds! The audience succeeds. Clap hands.
The author, Nassim Soleimanpour, addresses the audience through the actor. He is Iranian and wrote this piece in 2010. There is a dark undercurrent presented as Ms Lawrence comes upon it, she fearlessly presses on.
The reason this is 'important' theatre is because both the audience and the actor involve each other facing decisions and questions about authority and even what 'art' is or what it might be.
Lawrence mostly sits. She presents the action of the play flawlessly. My bias goes back to NYPD Blue and her gritty role as Sylvia Costas. I was very interested to see how she'd fare in this experiment. Her complete commitment and instant communication is impressive.
A guy who did a sort of curtain speech never introduced himself. The play doesn't really need a warm up guy. After the show he stood at the exit to the theatre with a cell phone camera soliciting reactions.
Don't watch them.
Entering this arena tabula rasa is vital. This piece is an important adjunct to the Art of Theatre because of the unique experience of neither the actor nor the audience having any preconceived notions.
I met the reviewer from Curtain Up and asked him his lead line. Without dropping a stitch, he said, "The Play's the Thing".. Truer words . True Words.
Just go! Participate in this experience. There's baklava after the show!
WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT
by Nassim Soleimanpour
WHEN:
May 11 through June 22:
• Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m.
• Sundays at 2 p.m.
Every Monday, the Fountain will roll out the names of the “rabbits” (performers) on their website and social media who are set to take the stage that week.
WHERE:
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90029
(Fountain at Normandie)
TICKET PRICES:
$25 – $45:
• Premium Seating: $45
• Regular Seating: $40
• Seniors 65 or older: $35 (regular seating only)
• Students: $25 (valid ID required)
• Monday nights: Regular seating ($40) and Pay–What–You–Want (subject to availability)
PARKING:
• Secure, on-site parking: $5
• Street parking available in the neighborhood north of Fountain Ave.
• No parking after 6 p.m. on Mariposa or Alexandria Avenues south of Fountain Ave.
• Allow extra time to find street parking; make sure to read all parking signs
HOW:
FountainTheatre.com
(323) 663-1525
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