Theater review: ‘Death and Giggles’ and ‘Sole Mate’ at the Actors’ Gang

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

There’s noteworthy invention to ‘Death and Giggles’ and ‘Sole Mate’ at the Actors’ Gang, a resourceful double bill of performance pieces that takes ‘less is more’ to another level.

A joint venture with Three Chairs Theater Company, the program is at once slight and disarming. After the announcements by flash-lighted MC Fingaz (Eleanor van Hest), ‘Sole Mate’ starts things off. Cristina Bercovitz portrays flap-toed Mr. Shoe, who longs for his ideal partner. While Bercovitz pipes away to sound designer Jonathan Snipes’ whimsical tune, the flexible Jessica Erskine gives various possibilities a leg up from around a screen. All ends happily, albeit inevitably.

‘Death and Giggles,’ the main event, is a largely wordless rumination co-created by Bercovitz and the impressive Daisuke Tsuji. We follow Giggles (Tsuji) from childhood to the twilight years, as he copes with many balloons, abstract dreams and a sock puppet. Cirque du Soleil veteran Tsuji has an expressive face and controlled physicality. When he spouts loopy doggerel while making his smiling way into the audience, it’s hard to resist.

Less magical are those passages that needlessly move the childlike fun into high concept, though scenic designer Shannon Kennedy’s molded-fabric backdrop is certainly serviceable, and François-Pierre Couture offers rich lighting. The early passage of little Giggles reluctantly staying put is amusing; adding a rooster’s crow to its crickets would make it hysterical. And the bit of clown/balloon sexuality moves the tone from mischievous to near-crude. Still, it’s a diverting attraction, although a whiff of the workshop lingers.

-- David C. Nichols

‘Death and Giggles’ and ‘Sole Mate,’ Actors’ Gang at the Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 9 p.m. Fridays, 8 p.m. this Saturday and Oct. 10. Ends Oct. 23. $15. (310) 838-4264. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.