“May the force be with you, we are all on your side.”
Interrobang Theatre’s Co-Artistic Directors, James Yost and Georgette Verdin, introduced the production on the evening of Monday, October 1, and offered minimal background. They explained that the play rests in a sealed envelope on the table on stage, and JD Caudill has been invited to perform the script that they have never before read for that evening’s audience. Immediately before Verdin invites Caudill to open the script, she says the above words:
“May the force be with you, we are all on your side.”
Verdin’s comment elicited laughter and applause from the audience, and likely it was meant to do just that – offer a comedic way to begin an event. However, perhaps without meaning to, Verdin offered the perfect introduction into the piece – the audience andCaudill have signed on to experience the unknown, and that which becomes fairly clear once Caudill begins reading is that the only way for a success is to commit to backing up the artist for the next 60 to 75 minutes.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit: A Challenge of the Unknown
Written by Nassim Soleimanpour, White Rabbit Red Rabbit is meant to be performed cold, with no preparation, set design, or director. The play calls for a different actor for each performance who has never before read the script, and given little to no background with which to prepare. Caudill, who performed the play with an incredible sense of comedic timing and stage presence, is just the latest in a long line of actors who have signed on for the experience all over the world. Soleimanpour provides the words and stage directions that the actor is meant to read aloud and perform. The ending result is a theatrical experience like nothing this writer has seen before, and a fascinating challenge to watch unfold for not only the actor, but also the audience who is asked to be open and supportive as they go along for the ride.
Soleimanpour wrote the play when he was forced to remain in Iran due to his conscientious objector status. He refused to participate in military service, which is mandatory for all Iranian men, and therefore had his passport revoked. While in isolation, he wrote a play in English that traveled the world in his stead, and it certainly has found its variety of audiences. Soleimanpour wrote the play initially in 2010, and because he was unable to attend, he included his email address within the script that is meant to be shared with the audience. As Soleimanpour explained in an email interview, he hoped audience members could send him photos and notes, thus keeping him in the loop at least to an extent.
How to Prepare?
As anyone who experiences this play is asked to go in blind, this writer also faces a challenge of reviewing a piece without spoiling any of the action. This writer may not be able to comment on the subject-matter, but can offer some thoughts and advice.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit is not easy for any actor to perform, but JD Caudill certainly rose to the occasion. They had the ability to put the audience at ease early on, inviting each of us to readily follow along as Caudill made their way through the script. Soleimanpour asks for a partnership between actor and audience, and Interroabang clearly put thought into the actors they asked to join for the project.
This writer cannot spoil the experience, but can advise anyone who chooses to participate to enter the space with an open mind. Be ready for the unexpected, and to witness a story that this writer feels is relevant and bold, but also full of humor. Soleimanpour asks his audiences to examine themselves and the world around them. No two performances of the play will ever be the same, and in addition to experiencing that once in a lifetime opportunity, you may just learn something about yourself.
Exciting, thought-provoking, and original, White Rabbit Red Rabbit offers an unforgettable experience.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Running Time: 60-75 minutes, no intermission
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
Cast:
Stephanie Shum (September 24)
JD Caudill (October 1)
Echaka Agba (October 8)
Michal Turrentine (October 15)
Joe Lino (October 22)
David Cerda (October 29)
Shawna Franks (November 5)
Owais Ahmed (November 12)
Where:
The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
When:
Running through November 12, 2018
Mondays at 8:00pm
Tickets:
For tickets and information, see the Interrobang Theatre website.
Photos courtesy of Interrobang Theatre
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author:
Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.
Click here to read more Picture this Post stories by Lauren Katz.
Save
