Radiating with raw truths and emotional grit, “Raps” is a voyeur experience. Punk Monkey starkly presents playwright, Robert C. Romanus’ moving drama at the Actors Workout Studio running May 2 through May 25.
The soul of “Raps” is the group of ten young malcontents working their way through their screwed up lives which have landed them in a last chance community filled with other discarded outcasts and misunderstood misfits.
The dysfunction and chaos starts when a lone rebellious, Robert Bob or Bobby (we learn later he does not care what he is called) Goldilocks his way onto Mama Bear's chair. The rest of the cast enters with a healthy amount of rambunctious horse play and cross talk, cautioning Bobby not to sit in the facilitator's seat. Bobby is defiant.
So now we know where we are, in a group session, Bobby is the new kid and an all-powerful facilitator is on the way. Hold on to your seats! The set had tipped us off with the semi-circle chairs but the house lights haven’t dimmed and the play has started. A feeling of awkwardness begins to set in.
At this point we meet a hard talking foul mouth, no BS facilitator whose presence mellows the group like an arctic wind on a scorching hot San Fernando Valley day. She gets down to business in short order with Bobby is out of her seat. As the maestro, she begins by dropping a proverbial drop of blood into the water. The group is quickly on their feet swarming like sharks attacking one another, in your face style, accompanied with significant amounts of F#%* yous. And we are off.
The facilitator is a benevolent omnipotent allowing her subjects to voice their discontent with their current situation with her and one other. Moving as if a metronome, one to the other, she extorts their circumstances revealing for us the reasons each are part of the gathering (Accept Bobby) From bulimia and promiscuity, gang banging, and incest wrapped with drug addictions, these kids are struggling malcontents.
Without giving up too much of the stories, you should find out for yourself when you go to see Raps. Sufficed to say Raps is compelling. These young artists portray people who we see every day in passing, alone, afraid lost and suffering. The stories ring true, evoking for me at least, compassion.
Camilla Ochlan (Ron/Facilitator) impeccably balances her shrewish character's complexities as the hard edged facilitator with that of a softened care giver. She digested dialogue and spat out a commanding performance. Brava!
The cast of Raps were gripping! Did I have favorite characters? Yes! Performances were honest and relatable at such a deep and basic level that as an audience member, I found myself instinctually relating to these characters on a personal level. There are “characters” I liked others not so much – often forgetting that these are performers.
James Elden (Director), eyes wide open removal of the fourth wall direction is a perfect choice. Bare bone staging, lights up with the attention focused on the actors, portrayals of their characters works flawlessly. James proves that his artist sensibilities are impeccable. Kudos, for resurrecting Raps, a worthy and prolific art piece.
Quoting Director, James Elden first impressions of Raps, “What transpired before my eyes was so real, the vulnerability of these “actors” spilled onto the stage.” This is not hyperbole, Raps is a theatrical experience not to be missed.
The content of Raps may not be suitable for young audience members.
To purchase tickets: http://raps.brownpapertickets.com