Thu 2/27 – Sat 3/15
Thu, Fri, Sat + Mon @ 8pm
When you really think about it, friendships are strange aspects of life. Each one is unique, and there is no specific formula for how they start or why they last (or don’t). Sometimes we pick our friends, sometimes they pick us, but more often than not, they just happen. Cleveland-based Theater Ninja’s [sic] explores these complex and abstract relationships.
[sic] is the story of three neighbors – Babette, Frank and Theo – each struggling to accomplish their goals. Babette is an author searching for a publisher, Frank is working on a career as an auctioneer and Theo is a musician trying to finish a roller coaster theme song.
“Three exquisitely flawed protagonists motor Melissa James Gibson’s [sic],” explains director Pandora Robertson. “Babette, Frank and Theo take us on a delightful trip through the unpredictable territory of human error. When I go on this journey with them I ask, ‘Why do we end up with the friends that we have? Why do some friendships last and others fade instantly? Do we really choose our friends?’ As Frank says, ‘Romance is rather a riddle.’
“I’m not sure if we can ever fully answer these questions, as perhaps the sharing of minds that is at the heart of most friendships and communities has a collective intelligence that the individual players can never fully grasp. Indeed Gibson writes that the three main characters ‘exist at arms lengths from their own situations.’ The protagonist’s lack of control, set against the backdrop of an indifferent threatening city, places our heroes in an expressionistic theatrical world. At any future point one of them could go over the edge, if it wasn’t for the others to prevent the fall, however coincidently.
“Gibson has written a muscular tightly driven play. The play’s demands for virtuosity have propelled the cast and design team on an exhilarating creative ride. We have had a ton of fun bringing this play to life and we thank you for joining us as we share with you the full-bodied humanity and humor of [sic].”
The show’s title refers to quoting source material “as is” – without correction. After all, friendships are all about celebrating, not just accepting, people as they are…flaws and all. The title may also refer to the way in which our friends influence us, and ultimately, in a way, become our “source material.”
[sic] would make a great date night, but it seems fitting for a fun night out with your closest friend(s), too. Either way, you won’t want to miss it!
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
Cleveland, OH 44102