Dog lovers will truly appreciate the Tapestry Theatre's most recent production, "Chesapeake," directed by Michele Travis. This is not to say that others will not delight in the inspired philosophy of playwright Lee Blessing, but canine aficionados will truly be able to empathize with the glimpse of life through the eyes of man's best friend.
Are you confused yet? It gets better. "Chesapeake" is in fact a one-woman show, about an eccentric, bisexual performance artist named Kerr (played by one of the Tapestry Theatre's co-founders, Kelly Jennings), and her quest against contemporary oppression of the arts. In two hours, Kerr converses with, rather than talks at, the audience as she reveals the lurid story of her life, her death, and her reincarnation. In what is her final performance art piece, she explores life through her perspective, but also allows herself to see life through the eyes of others, capturing what she ultimately decides art should be about.
Yes, there is a more concrete plot. And no, we are not going to tell you what it is, because the elements of confusion and peculiarity are integral to the overall experience of the piece. We will tell you this, however: "Chesapeake" is intensely dynamic and politically charged, not to mention, it is really good.
Jennings is an exceptional actress, which, combined with an inspired script, make for a truly brilliant performance. Travis's direction complements Jennings' ability to convincingly become Kerr, and develop with her through the progression of events, until you are left with the impression that she really is not acting at all. The meticulously written script is poignantly self-aware, sharply witty yet laced with vivid imagery and flowery words. Kerr's jokes about the horrors of performing to a small audience are aptly illustrated in the intimate theatre, and while the occasionally ornate language departs from the otherwise contemporaneous tone, it does not detract at all from the overall effect. Kerr's constant discussion of the philosophy of "futurism" is also applied to the play, as she grows as a character and learns to think beyond her insular world.
The Tapestry Theatre is dedicated to providing professional female artists with a forum for cultivating their own theatrical aims. The theatre staff is comprised of only five women, who are all actively involved in the production of every show.
"Chesapeake" also adopts as its political cause the National Endowment for the Arts, an incredibly sensitive topic in Congress and in the art world in recent years. The decision to cut federal funding for the arts has been hotly debated, and is still seeking resolution.
Produced in 1999, "Chesapeake" was originally presented at a time when this issue was at its most tense.
Go see "Chesapeake." For the brilliant acting, for the political challenge, for the whole experience. It will make you think, and perhaps even question the world as you see it.
