Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
The Department of Theater debuted “One Week, One Walk”, the directing thesis of Jenkins McNulty ‘14, this weekend. With posters featuring an upside-down empty bed against a black background and copious warnings of explicit content, students entered the Frear Theater expecting a pretentious piece of experimental theater. Their expectations, however, were immediately dashed.
“When I stepped into the Frear and I saw chairs on risers, I knew immediately that this was not the show for me,” Nevin Sanders ‘16 said. “What kind of new play puts the audience in seats?”
About halfway through the piece, the bed is rolled onto the stage. The entire room bristled with anticipation for the sure-to-come scene of graphic sexuality, the blast of nudity so often present in work promising to push boundaries. However, no nudity was to be found, and the bed remained vacant for the duration of the piece.
“I come to these shows to see one of my peers exposing themself to the world,” Nevin said. “Put crudely, tits or GTFO.”
Although it was structured solidly and acted beautifully, the piece left something to be desired. The disappointed looks on faculty faces was enough to prove to McNulty that he missed the mark.
“I blew it,” McNulty whispered, unable to meet this reporter’s eye. “I should’ve known spending $2,000 on a circus expert was a poor investment. I should have spent the money on bondage equipment.”
The entire audience agreed.
