One of the best known painters of the Post-Impressionist period, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec lived a short and fascinating life. His art captured the spirit of late 19th century Paris from the denizens of brothels to the dancers at the Moulin Rouge. Bated Breath Theatre Company in conjuction with the bar Madame X are presenting an immersive entertainment entitled Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec.
This one hour show is billed as immersive theater. When heading up the stairs to the upper floor of this bar, the door opens and you enter a room dripping in red. Head over to the bar and grab a cocktail. There are an assortment of chairs and couches on the perimeter of the elongated room. The environment is very promising.
The “show” is an assortment of sketches and imagery intended to illuminate a feeling of the era. The action occurs on a balcony at one end and also in the middle of the room. Highlights from the painter’s life are covered from his bone growth disorder to his troubled relationship with his parents. They were first cousins. Was inbreeding the cause of his physical ailments? There is nothing that deep considered in this production but Toulouse-Lautrec’s feelings of inferiority register strongly. What happens after his childhood makes sense from the biographical outline presented here.
The underclass of Paris did, however, embrace him to a degree. They became the inspiration for his extensive artistic output. In order to celebrate this era, dancers will perform the can-can. Sexy women are clad in bustiers. The mood is light and fun but the artist is anything but that. He descends into alcoholism and catches syphilis. There are many bad syphilis jokes told.
This revue-like show contains some truly inspired moments such as when his mother (Derya Celikkol) uses movement and a marionette to narrate her relationship with her son. As Toulouse-Lautrec, Daniel George was very effective. The overall impact is, unfortunately, only a slight diversion. The concept is interesting but the execution is just a bit too simple, especially when compared to other immersive theatrical events in New York.
Ticket prices are a reasonable $47 and include a complimentary cocktail. The show is performed twice on Wednesday nights and is usually sold out. Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec has some good creative elements. The audience is very small and everyone is close to the action. In order to make this a recommended trip downtown, this company should probably further develop the Parisian vibe of the period. As it currently stands, this endeavor does not have enough focus to even sustain its one hour running time.
Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec began performances six months ago and is currently booking through January 8, 2020.
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