A gorgeously haunting ghost story is summoned up in the memoir Victor by Edgar Oliver. The ghosts are many. A man named Victor. The way of life for marginalized New Yorkers from decades past. Memories of people loved and lost. Regrets and joys in abundant proportions.
Mr. Oliver is a member of Axis Theatre and has worked with Director Randy Sharp before in the company’s productions and his previous solo pieces. There is a relaxed, mysterious and lyrical easiness to this performance which is beautifully realized in the always atmospheric environs in Axis’ Greenwich Village space.
A friendship story both intimate and flamboyant, these two men first crossed paths when Victor was 39 and Edgar was 28. Their lives joined together around an East 10th street rooming house. During the last sixteen years he lived there, Mr. Oliver was the only resident. Fascinating observations witnessed of the denizens of the lower east side are recalled. They provide a glimpse back to a world of a seedier (and perhaps more romantically interesting) period in our city’s colorful history.
Edgar considered Victor a “real man.” He loved women but was, what they might say today, gay friendly. Edgar worshiped this bald, barrel chested, muscular man with his huge biceps. Victor reminded him of the cartoon character Popeye. Two cans of Popeye brand spinach, a present from Victor, are still in Edgar’s possession.
Victor loved movies and vodka. They enjoyed watching them together. They’d often drink or smoke pot on the stoop. This melancholy remembrance is filled with detailed imagery, both softly reflective and vividly prismatic. As an actor, Mr. Oliver is a riveting presence. He floats around the stage with an ethereal fairy-like grace. His words are poetic and punctuated with reminiscences both pensively reflective and revealingly personal.
Mr. Oliver is eulogizing a friend who spent many years as a homeless man. Why didn’t he stay with Victor one day until the film From Here To Eternity ended? He asks a lot of questions of himself and enriches his tale with a view only achievable in one’s later stages in life. Edgar remembers Victor, the man he obviously idolized, fondly. He wonders what he’s meant to the various men he loved through the years.
A effectively simple set by Chad Yarborough contains black boxes in different heights suggesting an ominous and vague city outline. David Zeffren’s lighting design bathes Mr. Oliver in a moody glow which references the black and white movies Victor and Edgar loved to talk about. Paul Carbonara composed the perfect amount of melodious original music for three musicians which nicely elevates this unique memoir.
At the end of this show, linger in the lobby for a few minutes to view the memorabilia collected by Mr. Oliver. There are many writings Victor would drop in his mailbox through the years. The Popeye cans of spinach are on display. Is this a summation and consideration of regret in a life lived marginally on the outskirts of mainstream society? Or is this a life brimming with creative expression? An alternative approach to existence, survival and the search for connection, love and meaning?
Victor is a wonderful theatrical experience no matter which interpretation captures your fancy. Artists who lived during this period are and will be continuing to decline in number. Catch Edgar Oliver’s imaginative retelling. Feel the spirit of a soon-to-be forgotten slice of New York history which attracted and accommodated all sorts of quirky, colorful and memorable citizens.
Victor is being performed at the Axis Theatre Company through October 26, 2019.