An entry in the Act French festival from Chicago's Trap Door Theatre, Matei Visniec's somewhat unoriginal but sharply drawn nihilistic play manages to succeed in exposing the fears of aging artists everywhere.
An obvious homage to Beckett and Ionesco, the Romanian-born Visniec's long one-act has a distinctly grim middle-European feel. As can be guessed from the title, it's about the reactions to an advertisement for an experienced clown performer. As three quirky, giddy, melancholy men with Italian names (Filippo, Peppino, Nicollo) gather in an austere, dimly lit room waiting for an interview, they realize that they know each other from the past. Warmly, they reminisce about the old days, update each other on their lives, and gently tease each other. No one is called to be interviewed. The three begin to show off their declining skills, as Filippo performs a magic trick, Peppino does mime, and Nicollo plays dead. Tension slowly builds, especially with Nicollo, the former teacher of the other two. Eventually, a macabre but appropriate ending puts a sinister button on the evening.
Director Gregory A. Fortner's agile cast shows a flair for the physical and moves about with great syncopation. The director also manages to strike the right balance between whimsy and rumination, with John Gray's Filippo especially mischievous and memorable. Bob Wilson's Peppino is appropriately pathetic but a bit quiet at times. Circus Szalewski keeps the production rightly grounded with an elegiac and strong Nicollo.
The production values are stunning, especially given such a short run. Ewelina Dobiesz's set, a virtually bare stage with a few piles of suitcases adorning the edges, is simple but evocative. Richard Norwood's bold lighting is dark, darker, and darkest. Sound designer Bob Rokos' light, steady electronic noise makes for a mysterious air. Beata Pilch's bleak costumes express the mood with exactitude.
Presented by the Trap Door Theatre at Here Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave., NYC. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Tue.-Sun., 7 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. (212) 868-4444.