Review of a Production of

By William Shakespeare

As Performed by Impulsive Theater Productions 

You have never seen Shakespeare like this. 
     Performed in a theater in the round style so that the audience is not spared a single moment of the murder, rape and betrayal that is classic fare in Shakespearean tragedy, this rendering of one of the bard's less known works was anything but the dry, stagnant  rehashing that audiences have come to expect from purist acting companies.  Set in a post apocalypse "New Rome" and effectively punctuated by a Gothic-Industrial score, this macabre performance was unrelenting from the triumphant return of Andronicus (company founder Tim Whitcomb) fresh from his victory over the leather and metal clad Goths, to an empire mourning the lose of its emperor, until the final, stomach turning, feast. 
     The faint of heart would be well advised that this is not a theatrical performance that will appeal to the common masses.  But if you happen to be the medium-rare kind of  nonconformist that not only cultivates an appreciation of Shakespeare, but also has a yen for NIN and Lords of Acid, this is right up your alley.
 

Notable Performances by:

Notable Performances by:
Tim Whitcomb: (Title Role) There was no stealing the show from this versatile power house.  Equally convincing as a battle weary general in the opening scenes, through the near insane grief of a father giving up his own hand in a vain attempt to save the lives of his sons only to be presented with their severed heads, all the way to the final  realization of his ironic and gruesomely comic revenge, Whitcomb carried the show with his energy and brilliant talent.  The other players were noticeably inspired by his presence.  

Melik Malkasian: (Aaron) Wonderfully diabolical.  In a script where the separation of the victims from the violators becomes less distinct with each scene, Malkansian's portrayal of  Tamora's lover and cruel right hand, quickly became the focal point around which villainy revolved.  Defiant and unrepentant even until the bitter end, Melik enacted his role with poise and confidence, which is even more impressive considering that for a third of his stage time he was buck naked. 

 Jennifer Pfalzgraff: (Lavinia) Resplendent in shiny rainbow shorts and a halter top on the cutting (no pun intended) edge of alternative fashion, Pealzgrafe was a salacious lamb to the slaughter.  More then just eye candy though, the role of the ill the role of the ill-fated daughter of Andronicus is easily the most challenging and poignant role of the play.  This talented young actress was even more eloquent and expressive after her hands were severed and her tongue ripped out.  The role of victim played to the hilt.

 The only disappointment of the evening was that the audience was sparse, with little enthusiasm.  The cultural scene in Portland must be tottering on the edge of senectitude when a troop of actors put their heart and soul (and some of them their heads and hands) into a performance, and receive only minimal applause.  I can only hope that the Friday and Saturday crowds have a little more life to them.

-- Damien Despair.

P.S.  You can reach Impulsive Theater Productions at:

    3006 NE 57th Ave.
    Portland OR

    Phone: 288-5858

P.P.S. Check out Melik Malkasian in his title role as Anoosh of the Airways. ys.