Thu 5/8 – Sat 5/17
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 8pm
For two consecutive weekends, St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Parish Hall in Ohio City will host a powerful production by the Ohio City Theatre Project (OCTP). Free Radical and The Late Night Sketchbook examines the theme of confession in a very appropriate setting. St. John’s Episcopal Church once held many secrets as a sanctuary for freed slaves on the Underground Railroad – where it was referred to as “Station Hope.”
Free Radical and The Late Night Sketchbook was conceived by director Pandora Robertson after a workshop at Cleveland Public Theatre and a creative residency supported by the Launch Program at PlayhouseSquare. The production features an ensemble cast of seven actors. The production’s theme of confession is explored through both narrative and thoughtfully crafted movement.
“Free Radical and The Late Night Sketchbook is structured around a wedding celebration, and a crisis that shakes up an entire family,” explains director Pandora Robertson. “This work considers what might be the narrative arc of a confession. The beginning imbalance that prompts a confession, followed by the revelation of information, ending with what we do with what we have learned and how we carry on.
“One of our creative seeds has been the work of artist Louis Bourgeois, who is considered by many as the mother of confessional art,” adds Robertson. “Bourgeois’ provocative sculptures explore dark personal family narratives. They can communicate stories in a visceral nonverbal medium.”
St. John’s Parish Hall amplifies the experience – offering a more authentic viewing experience. This genuine atmosphere stimulates all the senses in a way that simply isn’t possible in a traditional theater. The combination of an emotionally-charged script and authentic setting is sure to draw you in and completely envelope you.
The cast includes Courtney Auman, Sarah Greywitt, Amy Compton, Joseph Dunn, Kevin Marr and Stuart Hoffman. Pandora Robertson has been active in Northeast Ohio’s theatre community for a number of years. Most recently, she directed the Theater Ninjas’ production of [sic].
Free Radical and The Late Night Sketchbook examines the thin line between the truth and our perceptions of the truth. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking production.
A special benefit performance will take place Sat 5/10 @ 8pm. See OCTP’s website for more info.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.