By Ernest Kearney — Jackie written by Austrian playwright, novelist and 2004 Noble Prize winner Elfriede Jelinek is like a Rap-poetry rant inspired by David Lynch’s early films. It is at the Broadwater in Hollywood for 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Everleigh Brenner puts in her sweat as Jackie in Jelinek’s hysterical tirade against what she sees as the devaluation of women crucified on the crossbeams of consumerism and patriarchal power.
Brenner, enters in the historical bubblegum pink tweed skirt and pillbox hat bespattered with JFK’s blood, pushing mannequin parts which she shoves, strokes, and balances throughout the show representing the shattered lives left in the wake of the Kennedy clan.
Jelinek sees Jackie as simply a more intact mannequin putting such lines in her mouth as “My existence only has meaning when I change my clothing…I am clothing!”
The play is a tumbling of political sloganizing, acidic babblings, and grimly dark humor; a drama not so much a feast, but a buffet table to pick and chew on.
Brenner manages the leaps and bounds that the playwright demands with great style and gusto, while Director Brain Eckert keeps the bombastic ball bouncing with laudable dexterity.
The production and Brenner’s performance make this a roller coaster worthy to ride. As for Jelinek’s play? Well, let’s just say I won’t be rushing out to see Was geschah, nachdem Nora ihren Mann verlassen hatte; oder Stützen der Gesellschaften.
For Eckert and Brenner’s work – A Silver Medal.
Jackie is playing at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2023 at The Broadwater in Hollywood.
For Hollywood Fringe Festival Details, Jackie Show Information and Tickets Click HERE.
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