Theater Review: The Johnsons Present LOVE Is Experimentally Dividing
f someone asked me the storyline of The Johnsons Present LOVE, written and directed by Anohni, I would say either A) I have no idea or B) can you give me a week of your life to explain? Thus, to go through the plot of this experimental play would be a feat that fails words. It is chaos pumped through outlandishness meant s to ask you for your care.
Gross, disgusting, insane, lovely, tragic, hopeful, soul-crushing, confusing, intense, deep, and superficial, angering, pacifying….. There are so many words to describe this play, which played on Easter Weekend at The Kitchen, because it was everything, but, like most experimental theater, it makes you ask if so much is necessary. Blood, guts, and upside-down crosses were used to affront a world that uses religion, politics, and every social structure to disrupt its own spiritual one. Anohni, an acclaimed activist and songstress, clearly wrote the play from her frustration and depression. I do not know about you, but I, too, am scared for the world. More importantly, I am devastated that, despite all the wrongs we know, we still fail to choose right.
The crowd of The Johnsons Present LOVE was, obviously, divided in reception. Some thought it brilliant and even funny, while others regretted cancelling their dinner reservations. Yet, that is the point of experimental theater; it is more about what the artist wishes to offer versus what the audience wishes to receive. While the cast is dedicated to selling the derangement and pain of their characters and the importances of Anohni’s message, such madness could be off-putting, especially because most viewers agreed with Anonhi’s message.
From painted faces spewing maniacal poetry to a set that felt like hell, it was apparent that Anonhi wanted her audience to ponder on their soul’s impact as if it was a carbon footprint. Are we truly loving, when we constantly choose numbness or greed as a response to those in need of love? it is a good a question, but it is one that so many average people hear and ponder. The question is how to convey such awareness and emotional contemplation to the utmost powerful while empowering “the people.” In other words, how do I make the 99% become bold for love and the top 1% open to it? Is either necessary to spark better change?
There were times throughout The Johnsons Present LOVE that I wished certain GOP members could have gotten front row. (lol!) There is an unbelievable compassion and clutch to humanity that Anohni has an artist, but Anohni: Love, at times, felt too strong or grotesque in its hold over inhumanity. Still, that was her point, whether you liked the delivery or not. For More Information On The Kitchen Click Here.
