SHELLS – Greenway Court Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Inspired by being a victim of gun violence, an absurd dark play is created, a surrealist dark comedy utilizing puppetry and physical humor.
She was murdered three times at the close range, but the gun did not work – it got jammed. What a coincidence, or was she being protected by Divine intervention?
SHELLS, written by Amy Judd Lieberman and directed by Stephanie O’Neill, explores gun violence, and aftermath of an unexpected encounter with a violent neighbor.
The choice of eight neon lights might not be the best choice. From my point of view, it is super powerful; it is blinding and very disturbing. Another thing is TV… As being on all the time, and we can hear it slightly, it creates an environment of duality, a dilemma – shall I watch TV or follow the story. I couldn’t do both. The use of the puppet is pretty consistent. Some interesting masks and costumes are explored. After all, this production is very annoying on many levels.
Envy (Liesel Hanson) is trying to get back to work. But now she has a wound, and the world around her may never be normal again … or maybe it never was. Hanson embraces the role and with fun facial impressions gets us through coping with the farce and devastation of gun violence in an increasingly chaotic reality.
TV newscasters are great. Sarah Mass (Anchor 2/Theresa), and Eric Fagundes (Anchor 1/Neighbor), look professional and provide the newest news and commentaries about major events, by stepping into the light downstage right. Their presence adds greatly to the story. The rest of the cast are Zachary Bones (Charles), Soll Marina Crespo (Darlene), Napoleon Tavale (Joey), Canden Healander (Marshall/Puppeteer 2).
Inspired by playwright Amy Judd Lieberman and developed by Rogue Artistic Ensemble, Shells is a new theatrical work where the story is told through an absurd lens. But the story comes out as playful, funny, and at the same time; surreal – to the edge of ridicule.
This Hyper-theater gives us an original, immersive, multi-dimensional experience that celebrates the complexity and diversity of Los Angeles.
Developed and produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble, the World Premiere of Shells is running at Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Avenue, LA, CA 90036. The show opens on Saturday, September 19th at 8pm and runs through Sunday, October 11 at 2 pm. The remining performances are on Thursday, October 1 at 8pm; Friday, October 2 at 8pm; Saturday, October 3 at 8pm; Sunday, October 4 at 2pm; Thursday, October 8th at 8pm; Friday, October 9th at 8pm; Saturday, October 10th at 8pm. General Admission – Sliding Scale ($40-55+). Suggested Price: $40. Community groups discount applied when booking 7+ tickets
Community Tickets available – if you need to just show up and be in community, please fill out this Google form and we’ll do our best to help you with a ticket.
The post show talk back with director Stephanie O’Neill and members of the SHELLS team is on Friday, October 2nd at 8pm; Saturday, October 3rd at 8pm. Special guest is Mary Bronstein (writer/director of ‘If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You) *** I wish they had the Q&A after the opening of the play.
WARNING: This play contains accounts of gun violence and mass shootings which some may find disturbing. Toy guns will be present on stage during the performance. Please consider before entering and we invite you to step out as needed for personal self-care.
We are passionate about making theatre accessible for all, ticket prices for this production are sliding scale. If you are in a position to do so, please consider paying the suggested price (or beyond) to help us continue to offer lower price tickets to those who cannot afford to do so. Your contribution will also provide support for our central community offerings and help us grow and continue to uplift the unheard voices in our community through theatre, education, and locally focused effects. As a 501(C3) non-profit organization, we rely on support from our community like you.
You can get tickets online http://greenwaycourttheatre.org/tickets/