Strays

A zoned-out-suicide-prevention-hotline operator and exotic-dancer-turned-pet-detective embarks on a ridiculous caper in this campy, noir mash-up of Law & Order and Charles Busch, featuring Nora Woolley, Kim Katzberg and plenty of pets.

Like Katzberg’s past work, STRAYS is inspired by autobiography, but is heavily fictionalized with larger than life characterizations and tons of meta-theatrical hijinks. The twisted, surprising story follows Terry, a zoned-out suicide prevention hotline operator, ex-exotic dancer and accidental pet detective whose attempts to locate a missing cat result in her revisiting a life she swore she left behind.

STRAYS is unlike any two-person play yet seen. Katzberg, Woolley and Cion cut open the genre and turn it inside out. With two actors playing all of the same characters, the show takes on a metaphysical dimension and explores the metaphors of self-reflection and mirroring. In addition, two actors embodying the same parts explores the slippery nature of identity. The characters in STRAYS show fluidity and plurality, investigating the idea that identity is hard to pin down. It is also an acting tour de force. Low-fi video intertwined with live performance furthers the mirroring metaphor and shows the evolution of Terry – our ex-stripper, ex-addict and ex-family scapegoat hero – as she overcomes a male-dominated culture and finds her authentic self… and that darn missing pussy!

Performed at The Brick (Artist-In-Residence)

Featuring Nora Woolley and Kim Katzberg. Directed by Raquel Cion, Lighting design by Derek Wright, Set Design by Kerry Chipman, Artwork and Animation by Maia Cruz Palileo, Stage Managed by Laurel Detkin