Barebones is a theater destination not to miss. The nonprofit black box theater in Braddock recently celebrated twenty years of performances in 2023, and its twenty-first year has been full of the theater’s hallmark of thought-provoking and dynamic shows. The 2024 season closes out with Meghan Tyler’s Crocodile Fever, a drama set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, a bloody sectarian conflict that wrought havoc on the nation.
Barebones Theater Confronts Horror and History with Crocodile Fever
Crocodile Fever follows two sisters, Fianna and Alannah, estranged for years, who confront their own father’s legacy of violence. In a 2019 review of the original production, the Guardian called it “Tarantino for feminists,” part comedy, part revenge fantasy, and an all-around unique and memorable experience. The patriarchy appears in the form not just of the the sisters’ abusive father, but through the brutishness of British rule over Northern Ireland. Few productions would have something for both a history buff looking to learn and a horror movie aficionado with a thirst for blood, but Crocodile Fever is that play.
Burgh Vivant called the barebones production “A frightening fun house of a play filled with wit and audacity.” Critic Michael Buzzelli particularly praised Phoebe Lloyd’s performance as Fianna, saying that “The play needed a strong, charismatic women to play the part and Lloyd is perfectly cast.”
Barebones’s Space Provides an Intimate Experience
Patrick Jordan, founder and artistic director of barebones, urges people to think of the play not just as the political backdrop around it. “The play for me is more about dealing with personal tragedies and personal demons in a time of heightened conflict,” he said. “It gives everything more weight and more consequence. But also, like a tea kettle, you have to let the steam out with some laughter.”
Seeing a play like this in a black-box theater also provides a unique experience, because you’re right there with the actors, in a much more pared-down space than your traditional theater experience. That intimacy allows for some of the artistry of the product to come through more clearly.
“The highlights [of the show] are truly the phenomenal actors,” Jordan said. “Their raw talent paired with this amazing script and the absolutely crazy special effects from Tolan FX. Plus the lighting and set design staged in such a small initiative space are really the most unique. In our black box theater, you are IN the action.”
Dinner and a Show
Once you’ve soaked up all that action and need to debrief and discuss over a pint (the I, Crocodile Fever’s run coincided with a new brewery and bar opening just next door: Braddock Public House. Braddock Public House is the brick-and-mortar restaurant of Brew Gentleman, which previously operated a taproom down the street. The two organizations see themselves as working in tandem in the community. Theatergoers at barebones can make a special reservation for ticketholders if they want to be sure to get a seat before a show starts.
“The Brew Gentlemen have always been good friends and even gave us kegs for our first shows here, which was basically in a construction zone at the time,” Jordan said. “The fact that they have established Braddock Public House right here for the community and for our patrons is so incredible and amazing. We can’t wait for our patrons to try it and really make a day or night of it. I’m also excited for more expanded collaborations to come with them. Stay tuned!” Crocodile Fever runs through October 20 with showtimes on the 10, 11-13, and 17-20. Grab your tickets and make a night of it!
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of barebones
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