Drama queen, dharma queen
Sacred Is The NEW Profane
Written and
performed by Cheryl Harnest
Directed by Jeremy
Bloom
Midtown
International Theatre Festival (www.midtownfestival.org)
Stage Left Studios,
Non-union (through
Review by Michael
D. Jackson
Cheryl Harnest has developed
a one person show exploring a breakdown after having been on antidepressants
for 13 years. The actress depicts her search for enlightenment by way of an
Indigenous Australian Shaman, Buddhism, New Age revelations and finally the
real tonic––teaching theatre to inner city kids. Overwhelmed by the
contemporary atrocities of life––depression, war and George Bush––she finds her
breakthrough in accepting that she cannot change what is and can find peace in
acceptance itself.
Directed with a clean and
clear touch by Jeremy Bloom, Harnest spends most of her show standing in a half
filled fish tank. She splashes around, dissolves seltzer tablets, and performs
around it in every conceivable way. Finally, she tries to drown herself,
throwing her head fully into the tank. However, her desire to live is too great
and she emerges gasping and breathing in new life while expounding upon
rejuvenation in a life-affirming dance.
Harnest’s spirited
performance means much more than what she is exploring––she offers no answers to life’s problems and we aren’t
even sure that she’s conquered her demons. But, a bright eyed enthusiasm for
the good in life shines through the discouragement and her energy is infectious.
The arc of the character doesn’t make a satisfying drama, but the actress gives
an entertaining performance.
Writing: 2
Directing: 2
Acting: 2
Sets: 1
Costumes: 1
Lighting/Sound: 1
Copyright 2008 by Michael D.
Jackson
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