What I liked
Everything.
What I didn't like
Nothing.
My overall impression
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a Japanese drama featuring an adult grandson bathing with his grandmother, lovingly scrubbing her back while engaging in heartfelt conversation. This scene made me ponder how we, living in California, would perceive such an intimate moment. This reflection resurfaced as I watched “Suck My Tongue” by the Catharsis Theatre Collective.
In our social media-saturated world, a lifetime of 70 years of remarkable achievements can be obliterated in just a 7-second video, leaving the individual to be judged solely by that fleeting moment. People hastily draw conclusions without considering the context or backstory. Yet, great art reflects its era, delivers a powerful message, and entertains. “Suck My Tongue” masterfully achieves all three.
Upon seeing the title and the controversial opening scene, I embarrassingly jumped to my own conclusions. However, my preconceived notions crumbled as I laughed and immersed myself in the performance.
The play features four characters, each reacting differently to the central issue, offering a spectrum of perspectives that resonate with every audience member. The narrative skillfully interweaves these viewpoints, much like blending watercolors, without casting judgment. The synergy of the actors, the script, and the direction results in an exceptionally skilled and compelling performance.
“Suck My Tongue” is a rare gem in the fringe theater scene, setting a new benchmark for contemporary theater with its perfect blend of timely reflection, strong messaging, and engaging entertainment. I am keen to follow the future endeavors of the Catharsis Theatre Collective and strongly recommend experiencing this outstanding production.
