Photo: Austin D. Oie
RECOMMENDED
Caryl Churchill made her name exploring the politics of sex and gender. In “The Skriker, ” she folds post-natal psychoses and fairytales into the mix for a hard watch that’s tough to shake.
“The Skriker” (Sadie Rogers), equal parts faerie sovereign and Rumpelstiltskin, targets Josie (Amanda Drinkall) and Lily (Carrie Drapac) as the next candidates for an otherworldly entourage. Vulnerable Josie has killed her recent newborn while Lily is a pregnant runaway; both girls tread dangerously close to the edge of sanity.
Everything about “The Skriker” is difficult, from Churchill’s non-sensical poetics to Eric Hoff’s promenade staging. The piece asks for ninety-plus minutes on your feet at a languid pace; if you have mobility issues, consider skipping it. Yet the ensemble, particularly the fearless Rogers in the title role, are consistently engaging and on top of Churchill’s relentless language. It’s an original, disorienting trip to a dark realm. Disney it ain’t. (Lisa Buscani)
Red Tape Theatre, 621 West Belmont, redtapetheatre.org. Through October 20. (Half-Priced Tickets)
