Krankenhaus Blues is a mixed bag. There are some incredibly poignant
moments hidden in some meandering, nonsensical ones. However, it is rarely
boring and the good moments outnumber the bizarre. And even the bizarre ones
aren’t bad… they’re just bizarre.
There really isn’t a plot to
relate, as the show is broken into vignettes; some monologues, some tiny
scenes. There are three characters – the Jewish writer, Bruno (Bill Green), a crippled singer, Anka (Christine
Bruno) and a limping clown, Fritz (Joe
Sims). Bruno mostly has monologues about being a Jewish, single writer in
The show is about loneliness
and disconnecting from the world. There are many topics touched upon that the
average theatergoer might not enjoy – incest, genocide, bestiality, etc – but
those who enjoy pushed envelopes, will enjoy them. It obviously takes a certain
sensibility to enjoy the line “I want to fuck my dead father.”
All three actors were
exquisite, impassioned and committed to the intensity of the script. They made
the audience care about them, which really helped to sell the piece. One of the
best parts of the show was the accompaniment on violin by Helen Yee. Having a live violinist added a layer of melancholy,
while the music helped to transcend the melodrama.
Donna Mitchell made good use
of the intimate space. The pacing and energy onstage worked very well.
Technically, the show worked fine. Kimi Maeda’s set and
costumes were functional, as was Paul A.
Jepson’s lighting design.
One of the song titles is “An
Existential Lament.” That title sums up the play exactly. As with all laments,
there is much rambling, but when an epiphany breaks through, it is worth the
wait. As Bruno says off-handedly at one point, the play is “all over the place,
but has some good stuff in it.” So, it is definitely worth seeing Krankenhaus Blues if you can relate to the lonely existence
most New Yorkers face daily and have the sensibility to enjoy some obscene
topics.
Writing: 2
Directing: 2
Acting: 1
Set: 1
Costumes: 1
Lighting: 2/Sound: 1
Return to Volume Thirteen, Number One Index
Return to Volume Thirteen Index
Return to Home Page
Copyright 2006 Seth Bisen-Hirsh