Trapdoor's 'Eva Peron' Makes Us Cry for Argentina

The Argentine, absurdist writer, Raul Damonte Botana (better known by the penname Copi), probably never envisioned his telling of the last days of Eva Peron's life to be presented in such a confusing manner. Trapdoor's bizarre mixture of farce, sketch comedy, performance art, multimedia and musical theatre leave the audience bewildered and disconnected.  If you don't know the story of Eva Peron's life, do not expect a history lesson with this production, but rather a completely unclear and highly conceptual account of the last days of her life. The quirky ensemble adheres to Director Beatra Pilch's heavy-handed style but this approach to the story takes away from any believability to these characters, leaving the audience connecting most with the talented stylings of Guitar Player and Sound Designer, Sam Lewis. Although this is theatre of the absurd, there is a difference between absurdity and nonsense.

Upon entering the black-box theatre (quaintly located in the rear of a restaurant), the audience is shown video footage of Peron's life on a large white curtain, while Lewis strums his guitar. This pre-show story-telling does not set up an absurdist piece but makes us think we are about to experience a historical and sensical telling of Peron's life. Once you realize you are watching this farcical style of acting, you can allow yourself to laugh but the comedy becomes repetitive and tiring. None of the performers posses huge vocal range or skill, but many of them bring a great humor through characterization that allows this lack of musical ability to become bearable. In a bizarre twist near the end of the show, the actors drop this style we have conformed to watching, and they try to pull us in to what they are actually experiencing, but it is too late for any of us as an audience to burden ourselves with an emotional connection. Tiffany Bedwell (The Nurse) and Carolyn Hoerdermann (Mother) keep the comedy fresh, specific, and charming in this mishmash, long-winded production.

Overall, when Eva says "I'm dead" near the end of the show, we as an audience feel a sense of relief as we see the end in sight. The multiple elements involved in Eva Peron do not blend into a cohesive piece of theatre. Make sure you wear a sweater as the theatre was a bit chilly.

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