Matt Keim and Elif Savas(Photo by Denise Devin)
Reviewed by Asa Fris
Zombie Joe’s Underground Theater
Though June 14
RECOMMENDED
It’s the 20th anniversary of Urban Death, a show that explores grotesque, carnal, and off-putting subject matter. Creators Zombie Joe and Jana Winer of Zombie Joe’s Underground Theater imbue Urban Death with a series of kinetic scenes, many of which overindulge in obscenities, but ultimately prove entertaining because the cast and crew execute them with precision.
There’s no narrative in Urban Death; instead there are sequences that usually don’t last more than a minute, with a smattering of action, each one a little different. Some scenes feature a grotesque gimmick and nothing more. Some display a brief bit of synchronized movement, accompanied with growling, shouting, or laughing. All rely on nudity to aid in shocking and provoking.
But among the audacious performances there are some scenes that provide real thrill and respite from the chaotic presentations. A sexually rambunctious and crude exhibition, marked by simulated sexual acts and human fluids, might lead to a priest, cowering alone, reciting an increasingly desperate appeal against an unseen, unknown, horrific presence.
The part of said priest is played by Jonica Patella, whose work throughout the show is enthralling. All of the actors deliver committed, enthusiastic performances, but Patella’s captivating embodiment is of particular note and her talents are supported by the pieces Zombie Joe and Denise Devin have crafted, and vice versa.
The production’s director, Denise Devin, has led the ensemble and designers to a precisely executed production. The staging and the technical elements are all polished. Devin successfully maneuvers the ensemble in a small area of an already small black box, though there are a few moments out of view of the back row of seats. The lighting and sound design are tailored to each scene, and because the scenes are so brief, these technical elements meaningfully accentuate and emphasize what we receive.
But there’s no ignoring how extremely obscene the content is. While admittedly the intent is to provoke, challenge, and even celebrate the vulgar, a lot of the time it can feel like vulgarity for vulgarity’s sake.
There’s also a maze you must enter and exit from. Its walls are constructed of hanging black plastic sheets, and actors wait in nooks and crannies, and on platforms, to spook show goers. It’s certainly in line with much of the content of the show, but ultimately detracts from the rest of the experience.
ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 pm; thru June 14. https://zombiejoes.tix.com/ Running time: 75 minutes.
