By Ernest Kearney — There is no drama in this drama rather there is contemplation, the drama of which is divergence, and its catharsis in perception.
The “shavings,” in the title, refers to a tale of an aged Buddhist who has carved a beautiful wooden statue of an elephant. When enquired about what the secret of his art is, the old man replies all he does is chip away everything that isn’t an elephant.
What he is left with is a beautiful figure of a pachyderm – and elephant shavings.
Writer/Director Ron Sossi has relentlessly paced the quarterdeck of the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ahab-like, for the past 53 years in pursuit of artistic perfection, which is a far more elusive quarry than some oversized albino cachalot.
In his program notes, he reveals this production represents “over 60 years” of his spiritual quest and “draws 80% from true anecdotes and experiences.”
Hence, the setting is, appropriately, a theatre. There is a director (Jack Green) and there are actors. And there is a semblance of a plot, but in truth this is a frame for Sossi upon which to dangle his gems.
And gems there are.
Elephant Shavings, however, is not a crowd-pleaser, but I imagine Sossi would be a tad disappointed if it were. It is less a show than a road map of a journey, one that Ron Sossi has traveled for many years, and now as a self-described “old codger with probably very little time left,” he wants to share with those who may seek as he sought, the vistas he has beheld and the roadside attractions he has passed.
It is a paean to the quest for the genuine self. As such it may have better served Sossi not to have tried to employ the structural confines of a conventional drama upon which to drape his “journey.” I longed for a ceremonial solemnity. Elephant Shavings is not for everyone but for those who venture forth, “gems” and mustard seeds are scattered along the path. Every journey is its own destination, and the one awaiting at the Odyssey is part Zen Koan, part parable, and all Ron Sossi.
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Elephant Shavings
Written and Directed by Ron Sossi
at
the Odyssey Theatre
Performances
Every Saturday at 8pm
Every Sunday at 2pm
Friday on August 25, September 1, 8, 22, 29 & October 6 at 8pm
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