The Golem is a Taffety Punk exclusive that shouldn’t be missed. This electronically charged, theatrical adventure portrayed by one man (Daniel Flint) and DJed by DC’s own local musical mastermind, Jupiter Rex is an engaging mental exploration of the darkest corners of a man’s mind. Directed by Joel David Santner, this edgy play based on the novel by Gustav Meyrink, is a thrill ride as much as a spiritual exploration of what is true and what is make believe.
Flint takes the supernatural story found in The Golem and uses a combination of multiple different characters, descriptive exposition disguised as story telling and the suggestive pre-recorded voices of Esther Williamson (Angelina), Coral Smith (Rosina), and Rana Kathleen Kay (Miriam) to flesh out what could have been a lackluster one-man show. Flint impresses by effortlessly shifting between people in a practiced shift of his posture, quirk of his face, or manipulation of his voice.
Flint, as the curious Athanasius Pernath, is given a mysterious book that leads to a unique self-discovery at the same time as he explores and is affected by the lives of the people around him. Flint is a wonderfully cunning Innocence Charousek, a believably narrow-minded Aaron Wassertrum, and even an impressively demure Miriam Hillel, as well nearly a dozen other uniquely crafted characters. Flint’s well- crafted script deftly explores Pernath’s mysterious journey to find the truth, and you’ll eagerly suspend your disbelief as you devour the spine-tingling story.
Costume Designer Amy Carr Taylor enables Flint’s multiple character transitions by dressing him in a unremarkable, but well-crafted suit that could grace nearly any decade in the last few hundred years.
The Golem’s unique style was beautifully enhanced by Lighting Designer Chris Curtis and Sound Designer Mehdi Raoufi’s creative manipulation of their respective mediums. Haunting sounds added a much needed layer of depth, on top of Jupiter Rex’s moving electronic music, while the lights highlighted each of the characters’ moods to great effect.The Golem is a well-woven storytelling snapshot of history laced with a modern pulse of electronically charged music. It’s Ideal for lovers of history and Jewish culture, anyone who listens to sick beats, and fans of experimental theater.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission.
The Golem plays through May 18, 2013 at Taffety Punk Theatre Company at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop – 545 7th Sreet, SE, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call (202) 355-9441, or purchase them online.
