I Am My Own Wife
Subject: Quicktake - "I Am My Own Wife"" by Doug Wright
Date: Wed, Sept 20, 10:58 PM
Quicktake on I AM MY OWN WIFE
As the author of "I Am MY Own Wife" points out, this bio-docudrama has two focuses, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf and himself, Doug Wright. His fascination with that unique person, a German transvestite who survived the Nazi's and the East Germans, helped him deal with his own sexuality, though his self-exploration seen onstage is rather perfunctory. Charlotte's however is as detailed as the woodwork on her beloved furniture from the gay '90s. Thomas Derrah plays both, and about 40 other incidental characters, transforming in an instant into figures from her past, tourists at her museum, relatives, and of course Wright. The original script was created with the assistance of Moises Kaufmann and Jefferson Mays, who played the part of Charlotte. Derrah brings his own physical acumen to this interpretation, directed by Jason Southerland.
Wearing a version of Charlotte's black "hausfrau" dress created by Rachel Padula Schufeld, the actor conjures up Charlotte's particular world. Eric Levenson's sparse 3/4 set is largely black and white except for a highly polished antique Edison phonograph on the upper level--reached by a ramp and one small turn-of-the century desk downstage left. John. R. Malinowski's fluid lighting constantly redefines the acting area, while Nathan Leigh's sound design includes vintage recordings from Charlotte's special period. Those who saw Jefferson Mays ethereal performance downtown will be especially interested in Derrah's more robust approach. Incidentally, Wright's previous work includes "Quills" seen two seasons ago at the New Rep. His current show, about to move onto Broadway is "Grey Gardens."
"I Am My Own Wife"" by Doug Wright, Sept.14 - Oct. 8
Boston Theatre Works at Zero Arrow St.
Arrow & Mass. Ave. Harvard Sq., (617) 728 - 4321
Boston Theatre Works
posted by will at 1:38 PM
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