4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane has always been one of my favorite plays to study and deconstruct. Seeing it live directed by Brian Fruits and produced by the Saltbox Collective really took my breath away.
Picture this: I was sitting in the audience of Stage 773’s Box Theatre 15 minutes before the show when an actress makes her entrance. She doesn’t seem to see anything but she lurches onstage and begins to paint the air. Soon she is joined by over a dozen others all in their own worlds mesmerizingly painting in broad strokes. When we hit showtime the stage is filled and we are ready to embark on a journey with them. I’m not one for spoilers so you’re safe here. The ride was emotional filled with contrasting laugher from the actors and rage filled screams of “Fuck you!” The play, while avante-guard, connected deeply with the two audiences I sat with. This true ensemble show was like no other. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the Chicago area.
4.48 Psychosis runs Thursday through Sunday March 11th at Stage 773 (including one show today at 3 PM)
Photos by Corwyn Cullum.