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Cussing at the Moon – Nebunele Theater
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Nebunele’s “Moon” Shines
Cussing at the Moon – Nebunele Theater
April 24-May 10, 2009
“It’s asking me to fix it, and I can’t!” So laments Cora Harper about her sister May’s cat, who hides under the bed and won’t come out no matter how much Cora wheedles and manipulates. May is comatose in a hospital bed after throwing herself off the Aurora Bridge. At the moment of Cora’s outburst, the cat has become a symbol for the comatose May. Cora and her other sister, Lily, are keeping vigil at May’s bedside. May is the symptom carrier of the women’s dysfunctional family; Cora is the caretaker; and Lily is the narcissistic beauty, returned home from her Hollywood acting career (such as it is) after May’s suicide attempt. Through their attempts to come to terms with the crisis, they have to shine a light on themselves and their past.
Brynna Jourden as May is the standout actress of this production. Although she is ostensibly unconscious in the hospital bed, Ms. Jourden brings to life May’s inner struggles on the other side of the stage, as she, dressed in pink, bathed in pink light, and surrounded by pink props, tries to sort memories and fantasy from reality and the present. In the meantime, Cora and Lily argue endlessly, and May’s nurse, Steve, tirelessly cares for her (Steve provides yet another avenue of conflict for the sisters, who all compete for his attention).
“It’s asking me to fix it, and I can’t!” So laments Cora Harper about her sister May’s cat, who hides under the bed and won’t come out no matter how much Cora wheedles and manipulates. May is comatose in a hospital bed after throwing herself off the Aurora Bridge. At the moment of Cora’s outburst, the cat has become a symbol for the comatose May. Cora and her other sister, Lily, are keeping vigil at May’s bedside. May is the symptom carrier of the women’s dysfunctional family; Cora is the caretaker; and Lily is the narcissistic beauty, returned home from her Hollywood acting career (such as it is) after May’s suicide attempt. Through their attempts to come to terms with the crisis, they have to shine a light on themselves and their past.Brynna Jourden as May is the standout actress of this production. Although she is ostensibly unconscious in the hospital bed, Ms. Jourden brings to life May’s inner struggles on the other side of the stage, as she, dressed in pink, bathed in pink light, and surrounded by pink props, tries to sort memories and fantasy from reality and the present. In the meantime, Cora and Lily argue endlessly, and May’s nurse, Steve, tirelessly cares for her (Steve provides yet another avenue of conflict for the sisters, who all compete for his attention).
The characters draw us into their world and keep us there. Although the story deals with family dysfunction and death, its serious subject matter is generously sprinkled with heart and humor, which is often physical and always entertaining. This play is the work of 5 women who have worked collaboratively for 4 months to create it; Alyssa Mortenson, Brynna Jourden, Claytie Mason, Joy Brooke Fairfield and Beth Hersh.
Cast: Alyssa Mortenson (Cora); Brynna Jourden (May); Claytie Mason (Lily); Devin Bannon (Steve); Director: Joy Brooke Fairfield
Shows: April 24-May 10, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 8 pm, Old Duck Studio, 1214 10th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 www.nebunele.com/
Photo: Rob Gruhl
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