PERIHELION THEATER COMPANY AND PRODUCTIONS

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Frances Wright

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Karyn Traut

Jefferson Film Project

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Recent Productions

(2011)

For reviews of the live production click below:

1) TheatreguideLondon

www.theatreguidelondon.co.uk

or simply read it here:

The Realm Of Love, or Folding Laundry    Sweet Grassmarket        ****

Karyn Traut's intriguing piece of theatre is probably better characterized as a staged dialectic rather than a play. The two actors, a "He" and a "She," fold laundry and discuss different approaches to living in poetic prose that floats beyond the ear quite unlike any realist dialogue that a modern theatre-goer would be accustomed to. The characters are archetypal in that She describes living in the "Realm Of Love," a state of mind that infuses all activities and encounters which is accepting, open, and emotionally aware. He, meanwhile, is a typical cynic, closed off from his own emotions for fear of exposing old wounds, suspicious of the flowing, swaying, flower-child approach that She takes to even the mundane task of folding laundry. She eventually guides He through a tentative exploration of the Realm Of Love, and He poses very thought-provoking questions to She about the feasibility of being vulnerable and loving and "Zen" in a world that is sometimes very dangerous and hateful. She explains that one can indeed be angry in the Realm Of Love, one can be hurt and furious and saddened by the sorry state of the world, but that ultimately a person committed to living in the Realm Of Love will not have their passion for life and their potential for happiness quenched by hate. This piece was a challenge to adjust to as it did not conform to standard theatrical tropes, it even had a built-in twenty minute discussion period in which the audience was encouraged to talk to the actors and creator about the material, the rehearsal process, and their own personal reactions. This reviewer was shocked and initially horrified by the idea of having to personally engage in what is traditionally a viewing-only experience. But what is theatre for if not to challenge and surprise? This immensely rewarding, unique piece of theatre will leave one questioning the way theatre works, the way society operates, and the way life is meant to be lived. The actors give lovely, powerful performances of an intriguing text, and although almost nothing about this show meets the traditional expectations of "good" theatre, perhaps those expectations need to be reevaluated because the experience was enlivening, inspiring, and immensely thought-provoking. Hannah Friedman

2) http://blog.damowords.co.uk/

or simply read it here:

DamoWords Blog

Words and thoughts, by Damian Bullen

Posted on August 10, 2011
Lunchtime today, after hiking through another soggy city, I found myself at SWEET VENUES at the Apex Hotel on the Grassmarket. The play I was presented with is called THE REALM OF LOVE OR FOLDING LAUNDRY (5-14 / 12.20), from the American PERIHELION PRODUCTIONS, which is is something of a recurring dream come to life. Its author, Karyn Traut, had said dream one night & wrote it down, the word-seeds that would one day blossom into this extremely relaxing flower of thought. The main part is played by a cute actress (Anoo Tree Brod) in her 30′s, who defines the sovereign Realm of Love to a gentlemen ‘friend’ (Brian Westcott) as she folds & plays with her washing, at one time donning a towel like a bridal gown. It is more of a monologue than a play, with the guy helping the narrative ebb & flow. This made it possible that the two actors (she’s from North Carolina & he’s based in Alaska) could rehearse over Skype – as far as they know a world first! At the end of the show the playwright & actors sat down for a discussion, which centred on the ambiguity of the man & woman’s relationship – a deliberate device by Mrs Traut. A soothing & reflective show, with many a poetic flourish, it was like having a nice bath with bubbles listening to classic FM with a glass of Chardonnay, especially immersed in that lovely Carolina accent!

           The sweater that she loves.              

Ahhh...thanks!
Jill Stanton
Karli Rabe
Emily Berman

those 3 have been rock stars always willing to help me with lines! :)

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Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM

January 16, 17; 23, 24; 30, 31

At the Community Church of Chapel Hill, U. U.

106 Purefoy Road

Tickets ($15, general; $12, students and seniors) will be available at:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52586

or may be purchased in cash at the door.

Reservations may be made at periheliontheater@nc.rr.com.

Or by calling (919) 933-8791.

                     Julie Tomkovick; playwright & director

(2008)

                      "Cheryl Johnson"

                           "George" and "Cheryl"

                "The things that he does."