The Absurdity of It All
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
It seems absurd that we are about to go into the unofficial end of summer. Summer vacations are just about over and fall activities and schedules are just around the corner. During this time, I look for opportunities to be completely present in my leisure time. This is when I find myself at the theater, as it is difficult to be disconnected when there are people in front of you, transforming themselves to tell stories. Veterans Repertory Theater (VetRep) recently announced their highly anticipated production of The Absurdity of It All, written by VetRep resident artist Christopher Soucy. This thought-provoking, whimsical comedy will have four performances throughout September at VetRep’s intimate Parlor in Cornwall, NY.
VetRep was founded in February of 2021 and aims to reinvigorate American theater through developing and producing the work of veteran writers and artists. Artistic Director Christopher Paul Meyer’s goal was to bring the veteran community (including military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, foreign service, intelligence services, DoD contractors, and immediate family members) as an underrepresented group back to the theater. Through playwriting competitions, resident artist grants, and audio plays, VetRep brings those who have seen humanity at its most extreme to this creative hub.
“We are not here to help veterans,” says Meyer. “We are veterans here to reinvigorate American theater.” Meyer ensures that VetRep stands on its four pillars: intimacy - including curated content and audience size, absurdity - looking for the funny in all situations, telling jarring stories, and whimsy. Meyer continues to say that with these four pillars as a guide, patrons “can come week in and out, and will continue to want more but will always have a great time.”
The Absurdity of It All dives into the world of a man whose nonsensical ramblings are hailed as prophetic wisdom by a public desperate to both elevate and dismantle him. Award-winning playwright, Christopher Soucy, is an Army combat veteran. His transition from combat veteran to artist has enriched his storytelling, making his work a powerful reflection on the human condition. Soucy has a unique blend of humor, experience, and creativity bringing the audience to a time when perception often overshadows intention. His work offers a sharp, hilarious, and jarring reflection of the disconnect between what we say and what we hear.
This production’s cast includes Langston Darby, Kia Nicole Boyer, Dylan Crow, and Gabrielle Kogut. Darby’s classic yet eclectic style of acting has been seen Off-Broadway and regionally, in indie films, and heard in numerous audiobooks and podcasts. Boyer is from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She was born into a military family and is known for her work in various stage and screen productions throughout the country; frequently performing in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and New York. Crow is an actor, improviser, and teacher and received his MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training in Sarasota, Florida. Kogut received her training at the University of Pittsburgh and is deeply inspired by stories about the immigrant and Jewish experience, as well as themes of intersectional identity, intergenerational struggle, and relational love.
This production is one of only a few opportunities left to see VetRep productions in The Parlor on Quaker Ave. Soon the organization will be moving to 139 Main Street in Beacon, New York. This old bank will be transformed into three spaces, including areas for staged readings, music, stand-up comedy, an art gallery, and a wine bar.
If you go:
The Absurdity of It All
Veterans Repertory Theater
The Parlor on Quaker Ave, 16 Quaker Avenue, Cornwall, NY
Saturday, September 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7:00 p.m.
www.vetrep.org/now-playing
info@vetrep.org
845-272-2611
