Relative Theatrics show tackles difficult topics in new dark comedy

The show examines the lives of two middle-aged women who are paired in a comical mismatch of housemates — one, a newly divorced, straight woman living alone for the first time, and the other a queer woman who views the world in a much more fluid way than her roommate.

The two-person cast includes Denver actor Mari Geasair and local talent Kathy Kirkaldie in an “updated narrative for middle-age women.” The production is directed by Relative Theatrics Founder and Artistic Director Anne Mason.

In a story of self-transformation, playwright Silverman provides “a warm and wonderful story that explores how a person’s ideas about herself can be limiting, but, under certain circumstances, can change in a short period of time and alter the trajectory of one’s life,” according to Relative Theatrics.

“Relative Theatrics knows how to examine and probe into difficult topics,” Mason said. “This play by Jen Silverman is no different. It covers topics that might spark some cognitive dissonance, but can also really inspire thoughtful reflection and new discoveries about how one sees the world.”

“The Roommate” addresses themes of aging, femininity and identity. Sharon, played by Geasair, is in her mid-50s, is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home. Robyn, played by Kirkaldie, is also in her mid-50s, needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, encouraging her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely.

Mason said she hopes the audience will engage in the show in whatever way is meaningful for them. That might mean the storyline sits with the viewer long past curtain call at home, causing introspection and reflection. It may also spark action into how people show up in their own relationships or in the things that they do.

“It may lead to this question of, ‘Am I living the life that I want to be living, or am I doing things because, somewhere along the way, I was told this is the right way to behave?’” Mason said.

For this production, Relative Theatrics has partnered with the Eppson Center for Seniors, a local nonprofit that has been providing support for independent living since 1973. Relative Theatrics’ partnerships aim to inspire education and advocacy for the mission of the partnered entity in order to involve local citizens, sparking conversations about the organization’s purpose and impact. “The Roommate” and the Eppson Center are a natural pair, Mason said.

“We have these two women who are questioning their place in society at an older age, feeling very isolated and lonely, and, really, in need of connection,” she said. “The Eppson Center for Seniors served as the obvious partner for this.”

The Eppson Center provides meaningful independent living for older adults in Albany County, and gives them a place where they can connect and thrive, Mason said, something “that is ultimately what the characters in this play are seeking.”

Relative Theatrics advises that the show is suitable for adult and teenage audiences, as it explores themes of women chase liberation through illegal scamming, drug use and dealing, acquisition of firearms, minimal strong adult language and mild sexual situations. But many of those themes, Mason said, make the show meaningful.

“If you ask anyone, they won’t deny the fact that we’re living in a society that is ever-so-polarized. As a people, we’re comfortably moving more and more into our silos of communication, of thought patterns, of ways of being,” she said.

The arts can break down those barriers, she said.

“I’m adamant about not shying away from these kinds of issues, and I believe that theater is a natural conduit for them,” Mason said. “In the act of going to the theater, you’re collectively experiencing a story. There are real live actors, you’re sharing breath and real time with every person who is in that theater.

“There is a special kind of alchemy that occurs in the theater amongst theater goers and artists. It’s an exchange that happens that we can’t measure, but it affects the heart. It builds empathy and compassion, which we desperately need,” she said.