Mental illness is tackled in the devised play #SoSadSoSexy. This type of theater is the result from a collective collaboration of a performing ensemble. An ambitious plot structure attempts to contain the myriad of concepts brought to life but this well-intentioned work needs editing.
A discussion about a nude portrait opens the play. In this Victorian era, the crowd is incited. The subject of the painting defiantly stares back at her gawkers. She knows who she is and is in “no coy denial”. How women are perceived is a major theme which courses through this dual tale.
Lucy is a woman from the Victorian period. She paints and gets involved with a mentor. Her relationship will eventually find her committed to an insane asylum. Izzy is a modern day young woman who has been hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Two distinct stories “explore the parallels between each period’s approach to mental health, gender politics, and the personal and collective identities we create”.
This double track overlaps with Izzy and her friend reading Lucy’s memoir which just so happens to be on hand. While the subject matter may seem intensely depressing, there are many quips to keep the mood lighter than probable. Humor is used defensively as in “Xanax o’clock, my favorite time!” Izzy is particularly self-deprecating: “I guess dressing as a Goth seven year old isn’t hot”. She does want to be taken seriously. “I don’t want to come off as some spoiled pageant brat”.
The tonal shifts can be jarring given the intention to illuminate narratives about how the mental condition of women has been considered over the centuries. So-called groundbreaking work on hysteria from 1882 coexists with outpatient electroshock therapy. The messaging is consistent about the physical and emotional mistreatment of these women by examining the worlds in which they inhabit.
Three authors and two contributors have crammed a lot of plot into their piece. The play touches on too many hot button issues including race, social media, sexuality and drug abuse. One of the flippantly light spots teaches the concept of “subbing”. Taking medication under the tongue increases the potency. Then the joke: “Twice the taste in half the time for the psycho on the go!”
The shifting time periods and moods undercut the play’s clarity. Scenes change frequently often hurting the ability to absorb a storyline. Consequential mental health issues are both dramatized for their life and death significance as well as considered for a story in Teen Glamour magazine. The play also has to wrap up two endings and tie them together. It does that with last minute subplots.
#SoSadSoSexy has an interesting conceit which is overwhelmed by an excess of ideas and rapid changes in focus. The disturbing irony, however, is unique and edgy. Izzy’s pronouncement makes the point clear. “I’m the first girl to publicly document her slow death on Instagram. I’m gonna be famous”. When this material finds its main voice (or two), the mission to analyze a serious topic will be further realized.
#SoSadSoSexy produced by Tapestry Collective is performing at Off-Off Broadway’s artistic incubator The Tank through March 26, 2022. The show is also available for livestreaming.