Nils' Fucked Up Day

“Nils’ Fucked Up Day” is, like its title, an ear-burning piece of scatology. Once banned in its native Romania as “outrageous, obscene, and vulgar,” the play is all of that, wanting to shock audiences into opening their hearts and minds in the pursuit of happiness. The message is laudable, of course. By the time it finally arrives, however, the swearing and simulated sex have reached their saturation points.

As written by Peca ?tefan, the piece is more adolescent than existential, a punk examination of what happens when choices seem bleak and limited. Set against a kaleidoscopic video design by Cinty Ionescu, vigorously directed by the author, and acted with energy in both English and Romanian, the work casts itself disingenuously as “a show of illusion.” Yet its linking of sex and death, its cynicism about globalization, and its conclusion that “Life is a farce” are all too real.

Presented by Monday Theatre @ Green Hours as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie St., NYC. Aug. 14–22. Remaining performances: Mon., Aug. 15, 7 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 18, 7:45 p.m.; Sat., Aug 20, 4:15 p.m.; Mon., Aug. 22, 3:45 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.