"Magdalen" at The New York International Fringe Festival
“Magdalen” Written and Performed by Erin Layton Developed and Directed by Julie Kline Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
MAGDALEN
“Magdalen,” now playing at the Gene Frankel Theater as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, takes you on a visit to the historical commercial Magdalen Laundries in Dublin Ireland. You are first met by a neighborhood native who has recently purchased the property and building in order to create a safe haven for young boys and help gentrify his childhood community. As he describes the building as being extremely dirty and left in total neglect, he begins to unravel the mystery behind the laundries and we are introduced to the protected inhabitants consisting of misfit girls, prostitutes and unwed mothers, so called penitents imprisoned by the church and with Irish Catholic nuns acting as wardens. It is a shockingly true story that leaves you just as stunned as any of the recently broadcast horrific crimes of today. This story does not pass judgment but thoroughly exposes the weaknesses of organized religion to be able to hide behind a guise of benevolence while striking with the force of an evil hand. Stunting the growth and limiting the potential of any human being and shackling them to a label of worthlessness until they waste to nothing and disappear are appalling injustices. These women should not be forgotten.
This intriguing yet disturbing story is devised and performed by Erin Layton with skill and integrity. Her movement and expression create images and characters that breed anger, compassion, sorrow and mistrust. Their impressions are capable of raising repressed feelings and unanswered questions regardless of religious affiliation. Her performance is exact, sincere and riveting. Take advantage of this rare theatrical experience telling a compelling story with extreme clarity and ultimate simplicity, delivering an undeniable impact.
Presented by The Present Company at The New York International Fringe Festival. Developed and Directed by Julie Kline. Lighting and Set Design by Cat Tate Starmer. Costume Design by Laura Catignani. Sound Design by Janie Bullard. Stage Management by Katie Barnhard.
WITH: Erin Layton.
All performances take place at The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street (Lafayette and Bowery) in New York, NY. Tickets are available at www.fringenyc.org or 866-468-7619. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Senior and Fringe Junior tickets available at the door for $10. Running time: 1 hour with no intermission. For more information, please visit: http://magdalentheplay.wordpress.com
Remaining Show Dates: Tuesday, August 21st @ 8:00 pm Wednesday, August 22nd @ 4:15 pm Friday, August 24th @ 9:00 pm
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 20, 2012
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