Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Sean Donovan’s CABIN offers up unfocused experimental theater

• By drediman
• June 5, 2019
• No Comments

Sean Donovan’s “Cabin” at the Bushwick Starr. Photo by Maria Baranova.

Last night, I caught Sean Donovan’s new play Cabinat the Bushwick Starr. The piece was previously seen in January as an offering at the Public Theater’s 2019 Under the Radar Festival. Since then, the piece has been developed further for its current bow in Brooklyn. Cabin tells the story of a gay “thruple” who trade in city living for a more rural existence. During their time in the country, the limits of this unconventional relationship are tested, particularly when a fourth character is introduced.

I won’t lie and say that I fully comprehended everything, because I didn’t. At its heart, Cabin is a piece of experimental theater, which suggests rather than telegraphs a cohesive narrative for its audience. Although in principle I have no issues with avant-garde theater, the work feels like it’s caught between disparate worlds that don’t quite coalesce. Although Mr. Donovan’s creation ambitiously utilizes various modes of performance – including monologue, dance, drag, and even a touch of mime – the relatively straightforward story doesn’t quite seem to warrant such an experimental treatment.

The production has been directed valiantly by Mr. Donovan. Unfortunately, even with a running time of only an hour, Cabin feels padded and unfocused. Nevertheless, from a design perspective, I thought production was striking to look at (Carolyn Mraz is responsible for the clean Japanese-like lines of the onstage “cabin”). As for the performances, none are particularly memorable, although I did enjoy the exuberant dance sequences.

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CABIN
Off-Broadway, Play
The Bushwick Starr
1 hour (without an intermission)
Through June 8