A unique experience awaits everyone who takes the opportunity to see White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, the fascinating play that just opened at Alleyway Theatre.
by Ann Marie Cusella
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit runs until October 2nd.
Enjoy an Evening at Alleyway Theatre
A unique experience awaits everyone who takes the opportunity to see White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, the fascinating play that just opened at Alleyway Theatre, which, by the way, has a stunning new mural designed by Audra Linsner that melds beautifully with the Art Deco architecture of the building.
First, the setup. An actor (Anthony Chase on opening night) is given a script for a play for the first time upon entering the stage. Having never read it before and knowing almost nothing about it, the actor then performs the play while reading the script. There has been no rehearsal. There is no director. The set is minimal – a red door through which the actor enters, a table and chair, and a red ladder. On the table are two glasses holding a transparent liquid. The actor is handed the script, removes it from an envelope and begins reading. The play unfolds for the next 60 to 90 minutes, as the actor and audience discover the play together. A different actor performs each night, so each night the experience for the actor and the audience is new. The actor may only perform the play one time.
the cast of White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
An Iranian Import
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit was written by Iranian playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, while he was stripped of his passport for refusing conscription into the armed forces in Iran. Unable to leave the country, and subject to arrest at any time, he wrote in English for the first time in the hopes of reaching a wide audience. In a quote from Playbill, Mr. Soleimanpour stated, “I was like a man who didn’t even exist. I was a young playwright writing from home who thought, ‘I have a message’, so I put it in a bottle and gave it to the ocean.” His plan has certainly succeeded, as the play has been performed since 2010 in different languages all over the world by everyone from A-list actors in New York to actors in theaters in places unknown to us.
Lest you imagine this to be an evening of political and social polemics, allow me to disabuse you of that notion. The play straddles the boundary between comedy and drama. Some moments are hilarious, others sad, others thought-provoking. It plays mind games that will startle and excite you. There are no barriers between the playwright, the actor, and the audience, as Mr. Soleimanpour is an integral presence throughout the performance.
Of course, all of this is dependent on the expertise of the actor and how that person interacts with the audience.
Anthony Chase was superb opening night. From the moment Executive Artistic Director Chris J Handley introduced him until the audience left the theater, Mr. Chase kept everyone glued to their seats. His wry humor, quick wit, occasional sarcasm, and heartfelt sadness were riveting. Spontaneity, improvisation, and staying true to the never-before-seen script are essential for a successful performance of this play and Mr. Chase hit a bullseye on each one. He gave it his all and his all is quite wonderful. Kudos.
Ok, but what is it about, you might ask. That would be telling and would spoil the surprises that await you. For a hint, I quote the playwright interviewed by the New York Theatre Review that you will find in your playbill when you read it before the performance begins. The play “explores agency and responsibility in a new way.” I’ll say it does.
Something New Every Night
There are 11 performances remaining by a different actor each night. In order of appearance, they are Alexandra Watts, Darryl Semira, Melinda Capeles, Victoria Perez, Todd Benzin, Peter Horn, Don Gervasi, Joyce Stilson, Charmagne Chi, Brandon Williamson, Norman Sham.
Recessed lighting of cool blues and hot reds by Lighting Designer Emma Schimminger adds to the various moods of the play. Scenic Design that creates a perspective of the stage fading into infinity is by Christopher Swader and Justin Swader.
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit speaks to the light and the dark, the good and the evil in the duality of the human experience in a distinctive and quirky manner that is engaging, provocative, and a great deal of fun.
Dates, Tickets and More Information
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit runs September 9th – October 2nd, 2021.
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