It would be easy to write this show off altogether. Four actors deliver autobiographical (read: wildly, often overly confessional) monologues in tandem, beginning with childhood traumas and ending tritely with each of their present-day addictions, which are food, sex, cigarettes and alcohol, respectively. The structure is simple; the audience sits with the actors in a pretend red line El train and, one at a time, each actor momentarily takes iPod buds out to tell a story while others listen, then sits down again. Sometimes the stories work thematically with this format, such as when Nathan Stoner eloquently explains the relevance of a song he listens to constantly that reminds him of a past relationship. Other times the anecdotes, such as childhood sexual abuse and frat party blowjobs, feel exhibitionistic and simply inappropriate for stage, and it’s often hard not to wish the actors were talking to a therapist instead of an audience. The majority of the monologues are tragic but not interesting as they stand, just south of that sometimes vast, sometimes subtle difference between turning life into art and presenting one’s self as an object of interest. That said, there are some fabulously funny moments, such as Anna Schlegel’s hilarious fantasy of beating up the hippie chick moving in on her man (she gets him back), at least one story from each actor that’s truly moving. Some serious editing could produce a great handful of monologues suitable for a less egocentric project. (Monica Westin)
At The Artistic Home, 3914 N Clark, through June 27.
One Response to “Review: iAlone/Red Ink Theatre”
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June 4th, 2009 at 2:22 am
I had the pleasure of watching this production due to the fabulous recommendation by the Reader. When I googled iAlone I came across this ridiculous review. After having been so touched by this production I find your review not only poorly written, but absolutely missing the mark on this show. These are four people utilizing the skeletons in their closet and life stories to inspire honesty in our own introspection. While I see it was easy for you to relate to the obvious monologues (i.e. Nate Stoner’s equating love with a song) every teenage girl can relate to that. Obviously you couldn’t take in the broader scope or deeper meaning of the other monologues (i.e. Anna Schlegel’s description of giving a blowjob. I believe her piece was symbolic of coming to terms with ones own sexuality and learning to find the difference between self, sexuality, and the mix that comes from the two.)
The point of this piece, in my opinion, was to remind us that we’re not alone (you may want to grasp that from the clue in the name: iAlone). The whole point of being on an el with ear buds in is that while we sit with a seemingly “together” facade amongst our fellow members of society each person is dealing with some sort of life moment; be it an addiction, a sexual circumstance, or a personal fight. As the Reader says, none of these people ask for pity, they simply look to reflect. I certainly would not be as brave as these four to face my demons head on in public, yet they inspire me to do so privately.
I highly suggest you stick to reviewing things that are more to your understanding. I believe Disney is coming out with a new movie soon. Best of luck on that.