Four Fringe artists get real about the world of solo work
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
On stage, no one can hear you scream.
AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTOS: Josh McIlvain uses real slides from decades past to create the narrative in his solo work, Slideshow.
Slideshow, written and performed by Josh McIlvain
Josh McIlvain says that during Slideshow, audiences, as ever, might have certain expectations.
“I think it still strikes fear in some people that they may be stuck with this one performer for an entire show, and if they don’t like the performer it’s going to be a painful evening,” he says.
For Slideshow, McIlvain purchased slides of real people from the ’50s through the ’80s to create a narrative of one family’s life.
“Slide shows were such a part of the American family experience — it was a performance,” he says.
Audiences can expect the same from him.
“We will all be together, and I will be talking about the slides from the middle of the audience,” he says.
Also, he promises: “I’m growing an ’80s mustache for it.” Through Sept. 20.
Human Fruit Bowl, written by Andrea Kuchlewska and performed by Harmony Stempel
What’s it like to be a muse? Ask Harmony Stempel — she’s been an artist’s model, and asked Andrea Kuchlewska to write a solo show for her about the gig, nudity and all. Kuchlewska says writing this play for Stempel was a treat.
“There is a focus to the solo form that allows audiences to deeply delve into an individual character’s journey,” Kuchlewska explains.
Stempel was inspired by a model for artist Pierre Bonnard, who allegedly killed herself in a bathtub.
“I like the challenge of a solo show,” Stempel says. “I get to use the audience as my scene partner.”
Human Fruit Bowl has been presented in six cities and is on its way to five more. Stempel says she looks forward to developing it.
“Everybody likes a naked girl,” she says. Through Sept. 21.
Stand Back I’m Gonna Uke: An Evening of Old-Timey Music, written and performed by Seth Reichgott
Originally created for the 2013 SoLow Festival, Stand Back is outside Seth Reichgott’s typical comfort zone.
“You’re all alone up there, which is awfully nice … [but] if it starts going down, there’s nobody but you to try to right the ship,” he says.
Reichgott says audiences can be impressed by the virtuosity that a solo performer can present.
But, “it can require a lot more imagination on the part of an audience, especially if you’re playing numerous characters,” he says.
But in Stand Back, Reichgott tells just one man’s journey of love through song.
“This one is just me playing fun music and telling an honest story,” he says. Through Sept. 13.
