Theater Reviews
“Dead, Therefore I Am” – Theater Review
By Marianne Fritz |
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Words, words, words. From an early age I’ve been instilled with a deep reverence for them, and, more often than I’d like to admit, I’ve sat blankly in front of the computer and been cowed by a dread fear of them. It never fails to inspire me when I witness such an admirable mastery over them as that exhibited by writer/director/designer/actor Max Leavitt in his new play “Dead, Therefore I Am” (the writer in me cannot help but feel a slight tinge of jealousy as well… let me just say that if I were ever to walk behind the guy down a deserted stairwell, I wouldn’t trust myself not to give him a good shove). “Dead, Therefore I Am” is, despite its somewhat unwieldy title, a remarkably well written play; the writing is elegant, almost poetic. The script is filled with observations that are often not merely funny or clever, but surprisingly profound. I didn’t think anyone still writes like that anymore. I mean, in an age when, like, it’s rare, or whatever, to barely hear anyone speak in, like, a complete sentence - y’know what I’m sayin’?
J. T. Blackwell (the multitalented Max Leavitt) is a cripplingly depressed young man, who’s just reached 30 and has already failed dozens of suicide attempts. He decorates his room with paintings by Van Gogh, wears Nirvana t-shirts, and reads Sylvia Plath (hint: what do all three artists have in common?). J. T. is bummed out because of his disability, Cerebral Atavism (go ahead, google the term. I’ve already tried and came up with zilch), which prevents him from being able to hold a mental image; in other words, he literally has no imagination. J. T.’s depression is so oppressive it takes on a life of its own, in the form of an ancient Egyptian deity, the dog-headed Anubis. Played by Nicholas Tucci in a ski mask and a dog mask on top of that, Anubis has one of the most poignant monologues in the play. It’s nothing short of amazing how a strong actor can convey so much emotion with his face completely hidden behind, not one, but two thick masks.
This show is one of at least three currently running in Los Angeles that describes itself as a “Goth-punk comedy.” It’s obvious there’s a trend developing here. Time to invest in some SPF 90+ sunblock and black nail polish. I suspect that the publicists were aware of this recent goth craze, and decided to jump on the bandwagon, never mind that the only thing remotely “goth” about this show is actress Karen Jean Olds’ pierced lip. There are more than a few exceedingly funny moments in the show (such as Nicholas Vitulli’s hilarious turn as a wacky British psychiatrist), but again, I don’t know that calling it a “comedy” is entirely accurate; it’s not quite le mot juste. Surely it’s pushing it to call a play about a guy obsessed with suicide a “comedy.” This highly original script defies categorization; we might call it a murder mystery, but simply calling it that doesn’t do justice to all the other facets of the rich and multilayered script. At any rate, dubbing it a “goth-punk comedy” is certainly misleading. As a matter of fact, nothing about this play should be taken at face value. We are told that J. T. suffers from a condition that renders his imagination inoperative, yet Anubis is clearly the creation of a very active imagination. As we came out of the theater, my friend and I argued about whether any of the other characters in the show were real, or just figments of J. T.’s imagination. This play leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter. The ambiguity is part of what makes this such an intriguing work.
If you’re someone who thinks that fart jokes are the highest form of humor, and that “Borat” is a triumph of comedic cinema, then this show is probably not for you. But for anyone who appreciates subtler, more thought-provoking fare, then “Dead, Therefore I Am” is sure to satisfy your thirst for quality theater.
This is an 85-minute play with no intermission, so I strongly advise getting to the theater early to use the facilities before the show. Another incentive to arrive earlier is to allow plenty of time to search for street parking. If that’s not something you like to bother with, the theater does offer valet service, for a very reasonable $5. One final tip: you might want to avoid the front row, as there is a slight chance you may get splashed with bathwater. Been as it’s a smallish venue, you can sit further back and not have to miss a thing. Laugh at the people who didn’t read this review and sat right up front as they get drenched!
“Dead, Therefore I Am” runs April 17 – May 24
Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm
Sundays @ 3pm
East Theater @ The Complex
6476 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90038
For tickets call (323) 960-7714 or online www.plays411.com/dead
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