Emotions are bared in Two Cent Lion production at DU’s Black Box Theatre
The producers of Off the Gradient provide a map to each theatergoer to help direction-challenged individuals, such as myself, find the black-box theatre located tucked away somewhere on the University of Denver campus. It is indeed a challenge to locate, but there is a great theatrical treasure to be found. Although staged in a space barely large enough to accommodate both actors and the audience, this immersive theatrical production is both thought-provoking and eye-opening.
Moriah Fine in “Off the Gradient”
Two Cent Lion Theatre Company’s Off the Gradient was created, directed and produced by Hannah Routon, a University of Denver graduate with a BA in psychology. With the support of the Jack Nathan Award in the Arts, she has produced a stirring theatrical piece that lasts a mere 45 minutes. In that short time, Routon captures a snapshot in the lives of four diverse souls seeking answers, perhaps some understanding and, hopefully, healing. The chosen topics for the evening include trauma and resilience.
Off the Gradient is a peek into a moment in the lives of Mark, Davey, Shirley and Madonna. Each character is based on a real person, with nothing but their names changed. Worthy of note, the dialogue in this production is captured verbatim from conversations that the real-life subjects had in May of 2022.
As part of the immersive theater experience, the audience becomes a fifth character. Various audience members are handed cards throughout the performance with questions to read aloud prompting a response from each of the four actors. Right out of the gate, the characters are asked weighty questions like “what is trauma?” and then they are immediately called upon to explain what resilience means to them.
Each actor steps up to the plate and brings a unique sensibility to their character. Mark (Wes Mysinger) clutches a stuffed bear throughout most of the performance. We immediately experience his vulnerability and almost childlike quality. Davey (Haley Barth) is tough, with much of the dialogue confrontational and in your face. Barth rises to the occasion and delivers a highly satisfying performance. Moriah Fine as Shirley captures a bright spirit among the four, often questioning herself and what she thinks. Fine breathes life into a unique characterization with total control. Stephanie Dees as Madonna gives a powerful performance while sharing intimate details about her youth and young adulthood. All are winning performances.
The unique set design co-mingles the actors with the audience. The fourth wall has been torn down and replaced with a mixing of the elements. Audience members sit on the stage right next to the actors. Andrew Mitchell, responsible for the set design, opened the space to incorporate the actors with the audience while maintaining singular playing areas for each character. Ryan Thomas has lit the performance with great care.
This production is yet another win for Two Cent Lion Theatre Company. Brought to life by Hannah Routon, Off the Gradient is an exceptional work encompassing the human condition and four individuals brave enough to share their stories.
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