What I liked
The rawness and courage of both performers is moving. The juxtaposition between the exposure of the body and the exposure of the soul was impactful. The production design, props, musical and visual choices brought me deeper into the ideas that the artists were creating. I really appreciated the thought that had went into each detail. My favorite aspect of the piece was interweaving characters and narratives sprinkled in through each performer’s section that brought the entire performance together thematically.
Also, my mind was prepared for the amplification of reality by the excellent performance art outside the theater and in the lobby. Lenny Langely uses her mind, body, and keen understanding of the human condition to create beauty while Lori Hooft mines her memories, her trauma, and her reinvention to craft a surreal celebration on stage. Together, the result is not sugar that superficially melts away immediately, or shit that permanently stains and is inedible, but vegetables that nourish those parts of us we cannot always see, and sometimes forget.
What I didn't like
I saw the opening performance so a few logistics were still being worked out, but nothing that affected the impact of the show for me.
My overall impression
Sugar and Shit is a fascinating look at the relationships between what is sweet and what is abhorrent. It is a modern exploration of the sacred and profane — the Madonna and the Whore. Thoughtful elements combined with bold, brave performances make Sugar and Shit an experience, not just a work of theater.
