By ADAM CROWE
A Seat on the Aisle
This past weekend saw my first visit to Indianapolis’ Storefront Theatre. Previously occupying space on Broad Ripple Avenue, Storefront is now located just off 55th Street and Keystone Avenue.
Storefront produces its own season of plays in the space, but also serves as a location for other theater companies in the area. Its practical black box space also includes an art gallery, and the new location provides easier parking options. Currently in residence at Storefront is Ankh Productions and their presentation of Tales Out of Twelve 0’8 by Jamal McCray.
Producing theater is just one piece of Ankh Productions, which offers branding, social media and design services, as well as photography. I have seen several examples of their efforts on Facebook and elsewhere and have been impressed. This was my first experience with their theater efforts, but it will not be my last.
Chandra Lynch and Jamal McCray in a scene from Tales Out of Twelve 0’8. (Photo provided by Ankh Productions)
Tales Out of Twelve 0’8 is billed as “a series of plays about a beautiful weak creature becoming strong…” Different audiences may draw their own connections between the five individual playlets, but the clear single strand throughout is author/actor McCray himself.
McCray begins the evening with a curtain speech, but then reappears between pieces to express some of the thoughts and ideas that led him to the creation of each. These connecting “conversations” are as vital as the plays themselves and enhance the experience immensely. Drawing from multiple theater traditions, the pieces touch on contemporary issues in ways both humorous and thoughtful. I found all the stories entertaining, with the touches of absurdism especially sharp.
Director/Author McCray has assembled a terrific cast of three (including himself). Joining him onstage are Ankh co-founder Chandra Lynch and actress Arika Casey. All three work well together and individually and turned the spare space of the Storefront stage into multiple locations (and dimensions).
Bottom line: If you appreciate new theater that offers something outside the run-of-the-mill, Tales Out of Twelve 0’8 is assuredly for you. Powered by McCray’s unique storytelling, the production serves up about 100 minutes of tantalizing theater.
Ankh Production’s Tales Out of Twelve 0’8 has ONLY THREE MORE performances, Friday March 24 and Saturday the 25th at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 26 at 4 p.m.
Storefront Theater is located at 2416 E. 55th Place, Indianapolis. Tickets are priced as “pay-what-you-can” and further information can be found at ankhproductions.org/dopetheatre. Tickets can also be purchased at the door if you use digital/credit payment.
Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.