"Multiple Plotchanalities" at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre
“Multiple Plotchanalities” Written and Performed by Dina Ninette Plotch Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
Thirty year old Dina Plotch describes herself as “infantilized, over privileged, and indecisive.” It would appear from her engaging “Multiple Plotchanalities” that Ms. Plotch is privileged (what’s the point of ‘over?’). However, it does not appear that she has been infantilized. Dina simply has not made the choices needed to complete her process of separation and individuation from (in this case) her overly protective mother. But she is indecisive and it is her inability to make choices she can accept and affirm that causes Dina the most discomfit in her life.
The audience learns of Dina’s dilemma through a series of vignettes which carefully develop Dina’s character. The strength of this performance piece is in the process of characterization Plotch chooses to “tell her story.” We learn about Dina first through what others say about her: her Valley Girl friend; her mother; her Indian bikini wax provider; her Latina co-worker; even Russian Olga who cleans the women’s room where Dina had a post JDate meltdown. Dina Plotch portrays each of these intriguing characters well. They are written with precision and passion but lose some of their definition when Plotch gives them physical presences. It is not that her embodiments are not effective; it is just that they could be more effective if they were more differentiated.
From those who know her, Dina’s background and personality are clearly revealed: the exposition needed by the audience is cleverly provided not in self-revelatory monologues but through this brilliant parade of personalities. From them we learn that Dina needs to get over her breakup with Josh (her boyfriend/fiancé of ten years!); learn to make choices and stand by them; and begin to move on with her life as an independent, competent human being. Dina does not need JDate to give her life purpose and hope.
Dina’s decision to do just that comes clear in the final scenes from “Multiple Plotchanalities.” In these scenes, Dina provides what was and is and is to be with her life through first-hand accounts. We learn about Dina through what she says about herself. We learn that she intends to make choices and accept them and move on with her life. Although Dina discovers how much she is like her mother – both independent women who approach life with a purpose – she also discovers she can live without her, without Josh, without dependencies and encumbrances which crush her spirit.
“Multiple Plotchanalities” is empowering not only for Dina but for anyone who will allow its message to permeate their souls and tantalize their minds.
MULTIPLE PLOTCHANALITIES
Written and Performed by Dina Ninette Plotch; Directred by Leslie Collins; Light and Sound Design by Chris O’Neil.
Multiple Plotchanalities is presented by the Midtown International Theatre Festival and will run at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 1st Floor, in New York City for five performances on the following schedule: Thursday, July 19th at 9pm; Tuesday, July 24th at 7:30pm; Saturday, July 28th at 8:30pm; Tuesday, July 31st at 7:30pm; and Friday, August 3rd at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and can be purchased by visiting http://www.midtownfestiv al.org or by calling 866-811-4111.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, July 19, 2012
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