YOU’LL BE MADE OF ASHES TOO – Written by Baylee Shlichtman; Directed by Veronica Straight-Lingo. Produced by Flamboyan Theatre Company (presented at Three Leaches Theatre, 1560 Teller, Lakewood) through September 27. Tickets available at thethreeleaches.com.
What an exciting time for theatre in Denver for people who love new, untried plays. There are script readings taking place all over town with original pieces seeking directors and producers. Such a burst of ideas and creativity perhaps spawned during the isolation of Covid and finally being able to walk on to the stage.
One such piece is playing now at the Three Leaches Theatre under the guidance of Flamboyan Theatre Company. YOU WILL BE MADE OF ASHES TOO paints a bold picture of sibling rivalry.
Two sisters – one who left the family home for her own safety and mental health and one who stayed under the thumb of her mother. When the unexpected death of this mother brings them together again, the old childhood antagonism rears its ugly head. Despite attempts on both sides to reconcile their differences, they seem unable to escape the burden of past wrongs. To complicate the matter, a strange and ominous presence haunts both their dreams and waking hours. Never explained, it creates an uneasiness over everything else happening to the women. They are both intelligent thoughtful women – just unable to escape the shadow of their mutual childhood.
The script weaves back and forth between memories pleasant and unpleasant, attempts at friendship and sisterhood paired with bitterness and anger. Liana (Gisselle Morales) doesn’t seem to be certain if she wants to stay or go, while her sister, even though admitting to loneliness, is not forthcoming with an invitation to stay. Then Evie (Kit Silver) drops a bomb into the conversation that makes it clear that LIana needs to get out of town. These are two no-holds-barred sisters. But who or what is the ghost? It leaves you wondering what is going to happen to both of them now.
The script, written by Baylee Schlichtman, gives both actresses a chance to engage in physical and emotional trauma. Both actresses chew it up and spit it out. They are evenly matched in bringing complicated emotions alive on stage. Veronica Straight-Lingo is a careful guide for this complicated story.
The simple set with translucent walls keeps the mystery contained and yet ever present. As in life, there are no easy answers for these two haunted women.
A WOW factor of 8!!