Directed by Andrea Arden
Levin Theater NJ – 2000About a woman named Arlene, who’s spent the majority of her youth in trouble. Released from prison with the promise of a new life, she soon discovers that she can’t escape her past.
2 actresses play Arlene in her present and past persona [Arlie]. Scenes move from present to past, stopping in the middle of one scene, picking up in the past, sometimes continuing on simultaneously.
Set in a dingy one room apartment in a rundown section of Louisville Kentucky. The building is a large old structure that was once elegant, but has since been carved up into tiny apartments. Electric has been hastily added by running conduit on the outside of walls. Covers have been removed from outlets, cabinets and under the sink, so that everything is exposed. A crooked portrait of Jesus is mounted high on the wall.
The boundaries of the apartment are Arlene’s present. Colors within this realm are cast in a warm yellows & browns, down to the costumes and lighting. The catwalk, spiral stair and surrounding moat are void spaces, where moments of the past occur [all of them taking place in juvenile detention facilities or prison]. This world is clinical, clean and sterile, only cold blue and grey colors exist here.
© Copyright 2004 Paul K. Stølen. All Rights Reserved