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| Tasha Ames and James Tupper Photo by Cooper Bates |
Wow!
Eric Patterson’s world premiere productuon of “F**king Strangers” lays down the F bomb with such ease that I wonder what the current generation yells when they stub a toe? We can say the word to ourselves, but we still use asterisks in text.
Chris Fields’ Echo Theatre’s new show examines a microcosm of our society that emerges more into full bloom every day..
We meet Julianne, Mick, Ru and Dylan . In a way they remind us of Arthur Schnitzler’s “La Ronde”.
“La Ronde” is not exactly a template for F**king Strangers, but there are a few similarities ..
On Amanda Knehans’ abstract bare bones set we meet Ru. He is stuck on the 605. We meet Julianne, an aspiring actress who does deep massage. Dylan is an on line fantasy fulfilment sex worker and Mick presents with a little middle aged crazy.
Fields’ choice to bring this idea to the stage is brave. F**king brave. Because the subject matter has to do with sexual activity and on line pay for sex shenanigans, it’s a world of porn that must exist but is so far out, I imagine that it’ll be a new experience for most folks.
And.. You must go!
As the story unfolds, we are taken to multiple amorphous locations where sex flows freely. No holds barred. Arm chair psychoanalysts will relish this world premiere and have fodder for discussion of what transpires as transpersonal and transactional relationships unfold in both the cyber world and the world of flesh and blood.. The story may fall to Jung’s ideas about archetypes or Freud’s take on early childhood trauma.
It all emerges in a sort of chambered nautilus spiral of sometimes very graphic experiences. It’s funny and uncomfortable and sexy and touching.
Patterson’s development of these characters transpires graphically as it dawns on us who these people really are. The exposition, especially from Julianne (extraordinary Tasha Ames), whom we meet absently rubbing a massage client while extolling her true calling: the stage: Show Business! Acting! Her chatty monologue tells her hopes to work at an actress (Menopausal Woman Number Three?) is natural and a little sad.
The on line aspect of sex for hire is illuminated by the opening chat room back and forths between Dylan (hunky Sean Luc Rogers) and Ru ( Michael Sturgis less hunky ) who has been holed up in his room for years. Mick (James Tupper) is sexually conflicted and has difficulty fine tuning his role as a father.
The flow of the story works, thanks to Fields’s keen direction.
To discuss the plot would be unfair, but the situations and the extraordinary exposition as the story unfolds results in genuine laughter and appreciation in the opening night audience.
We abandon our disbelief as the simple settings become locations that serve.
I liked the Whole Foods episode!.
Regardless of your sexual orientation, the story of humans being human is laid out in successful strokes. Excellent casting shows in credible performances from each actor.
Be the first to see what may become a play that finds a broader audience. F**king Strangers examines the essence of ‘the heart wants what the heart wants.’
Highly recommended.
CAST:
Tasha Ames Julianne
Sean Luc Rogers Dylan
Michael Sturgis Ru
James Tupper Mick
CREW
Scenic designer Amanda Knehans, Lighting designer Matt Richter,
Sund designer M. Glenn Shuster,
Costume designer Dianne K Graebner Fight choreographer Tristan Waldron. Jasmine Leung serves as production stage manager.
Publicity: Lucy Pollak
F**King Strangers,
A WORLD PREMIERE
by Erik Patterson.
• Directed by Chris Fields
• Starring Tasha Ames, Sean Luc Rogers, Michael Sturgis, James Tupper
• Presented by The Echo Theater Company, Chris Fields artistic director
WHEN:
July 15-Aug. 24
• Previews: Wednesday, July 15, Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.
• Performances: July 18 through Aug. 24: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Echo Theater Company
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
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