Friday, June 8, 2018

Broken Bone Bathtub—N. Portland area


“The Kindness of Strangers”
This one-woman show, written by and featuring Siobhan O’Loughlin and produced locally by Jesse Braeuninger.
  It is playing in various homes of local individuals in their bathrooms for an audience of 4-8 people through June 18th.  For more information, go to their site at www.brokenbonebathtub.com

This is more of a group therapy session than a “traditional” play but, all directors/producers /actors know that creating a play with actors often results in psychological aspects of the character being examined, as well as one’s own psyche, so this process is just being extended, in a way, to present company, the audience, an intimate gathering, in an intimate atmosphere.
 
And where would an individual be the most intimate and vulnerable?
 Probably in a bathroom or bedroom, stripped of all perceived perceptions.  And, under what circumstances?  Sex, of course, but also after an injury or during an illness, as one’s guards are often down.  And, so we have the bathtub, complete with water, and only suds between us, and a and a lady with a broken hand.
She will, in part, during the next hour, relate to you how this came to be and how she felt it changed her life and led her to this venue.
  But her purpose is far more astute than that.  She tells of her early friendships with other girls/friends and the experiences with group events, such as a type of whip-cream melee.  Obviously, the fun, freedom and intimacy during those times generated a peace within the “savage beast” of a human…and inhibitions be damned.
As she got older and grew up in the NYC area, she felt that biking was the most convenient mode of transportation, and thus, a part of this accident, with her now sporting an injured hand, was a result.
  But the story is only the catalyst for the real purpose of this exercise.  She discovered, while infirmed, that she needed the help of others to some of the simplest, daily routines, like bathing.  And, through this quest for a solution, she embarked on a remarkable journey that has had far-reaching effects, albeit in just small groups at a time, in over 5 countries and 300 performances!
I don’t want to give too much away, as that might be considered a spoiler, but will say that only about half the time you are there, are you listening to her story.
  As she relates her experience, she discovered the fact that she needed others to help her. So, she asks the small gathering assembled, of their experiences with such things as crying in public, being compassionate, giving hugs, relating unpleasant news to a loved one, etc., as she found out, through her own, personal experiences, that we need each other to survive.  “No Man is an Island.”
And what she encouraged the audience to relate is quite amazing.
  They all related very personal accounts of their experiences.  And why is that?  Because you are in an intimate setting with someone more vulnerable than you and with strangers that you’ll probably never see again.  And the secret ingredient for this studious mix of mis-matched spices?  Ms. O’Loughlin herself, as she gently stirs the pot for the most unique taste ever, an excellent chef is she!
Make no mistake about it, this is an event, an experience, possibly a new wave of the first order, which will merge people into dialogues, like she does, and we will come out with a better understanding of others.
  As the song goes, “what the World needs now, is Love, sweet Love, something there’s just too little of.”  And it starts with a small band of brothers and sisters, like this, and hopefully will spread like a tidal wave over the face of the Earth!
O’Loughlin is onto something.
  She comes across as personable, candid, understanding, and able to deal, through dialogue, with any “blue meanies” that invade her/our space.  I wanted to reach out by the end and give her a hug and say she touched me.  You can’t help but fall in love with her and lovable is a good trait to have in this unsettled day and age.  (By the way, Siobhan, the tear-jerker I love with Robert Downey, Jr. is called “Heart and Soul,” worth seeing.

I highly recommend this show but it will only seat, depending on the location, a maximum of 8 people, so best get your tickets now.
  If you do choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

2 comments:

  1. Every once in a while I think about some of my old friends from nearly 20 years ago. Siobhan, we went to highschool and Towson University together. We also participated in the battle of the bands in highschool. I've been trying to find out what Jesse has been up to for years - haven't talked to you or Jesse in over 10 years. He almost doesn't exist on the internet. I see that you guys are still in close contact. Really cool. Maybe you will see this message and reach out. A lot has changed.

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