What we find out about Lot’s spouse from the Bible is that she appeared again on the metropolis of Sodom, though forbidden to take action, and turned a pillar of salt. Heaps extra occurs in Genesis 19 – a mob of males from Sodom threatens to “know” (rape?) two angels despatched by the Lord; the angels blind all of them, then annihilate each Sodom and Gomorrah, letting Lot escape; Lot’s two daughters get Lot drunk and have intercourse with him with a purpose to bear him youngsters – however that’s all we hear about Lot’s spouse; we don’t even be taught her identify
Theater artist Dan Daly provides a definite new context to this Biblical character, one which’s lyrical, ingenious, pointed – and really totally different.
“The Story of Lot’s Spouse” is, primarily, an artwork set up. Or possibly primarily a poem. Or possibly finally a radical act of queerness. There aren’t any actors. However possibly every viewers member turns into a personality. We’re a pilgrim on a journey to show a narrative from Scripture that’s ugly in a lot of methods into one thing secular and stylish.
One viewers member at a time enters by way of a beaded curtain and walks previous 9 objects, positioned like shrines towards a blue velvet background, an expertise that takes about fifteen minutes. Daly, who sits exterior, has handed us a booklet that describes every object as second, explaining it briefly, after which elaborating on it, adopted often by a suggestion of some modest exercise that we are able to do, which have the texture of rituals.
The primary second within the set up presents a bunch of 4 salt-shakers, which, we’re advised, include “250 grams of salt, the approximate quantity in every of our our bodies.”
The booklet then explains the historical past and makes use of of salt, the way it’s typically utilized in rituals, however it’s also “rooted within the fights for freedom all over the world.” Gandhi, for instance, led his folks to the ocean to make salt in defiance of the British colonial empire’s monopoly on salt-making in India.
This primary part concludes: “Salt is part of us. Our our bodies and our cultures. We’d like it and take it with no consideration. And also you, Lot’s Spouse, you at the moment are made of these items.”
It’s within the second part that the primary level of this uncommon work of theater begins to grow to be clear. The article is a vessel of water. The reason: “This water was collected in San Francisco Bay the place salt continues to be produced and whose shores home one of many largest queer communities in America.”
“The Story of Lot’s Spouse” turns into a response to the hateful use of the Sodom and Gomorrah story as a justification for homophobia. It’s executed cleverly, however not smugly.
Daly works largely as a scenic designer, specializing in immersive theater. His design for “Tammany Corridor,” knocked me out, turning Soho Playhouse right into a bustling political clubhouse with fifteen separate enjoying areas, most of which theatergoers had by no means seen earlier than, or knew existed — backstage, the roof, a loft, an workplace, a closet, a makeshift dressing room, a rickety staircase.
“The Story of Lot’s Spouse” is less complicated, quieter in its design, delicate – and breathtaking in its impact.
The Story of Lot’s Spouse
Cell Theater by way of August 25
Working time: quarter-hour
Tickets: sliding scale beginning at $10
by Dan Daly and Ofo Theater
Lighting Design by Zoe Griffith
Sound Design by Julian Singer-Corbin
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