Exquisite theatrical (and almost secret) performance by Akropolis Performance Lab

Joseph Lavy as Dr. Glas in The Glas Nocturne (credit Joe Patrick Kane)

The Glas Nocturne
Akropolis Performance Lab
through May 31, 2015 or quite possibly beyond

I can't tell you where the performance is. I can tell you how to arrange to see it, though.

And you really should do everything you can to see Akropolis Performance Lab's production of The Glas Nocturne. If you appreciate a true theatrical experience, that is.

They are allowing up to 10 (TEN) people per performance. That's tiny. It's in a tiny performance space, and they even will provide a bit of food to help you feel comfortable. The show times are a bit random, as well, and the performance runs about 90 minutes, but you might want to stay after and chat with them for a bit.

Joseph Lavy performs essentially a solo show with a "Greek chorus" (that actually sings), along with Zhenya Lavy as piano player of several nocturnes that accompany moments of the play.


He becomes Doctor Glas, a Swedish practitioner (in his own adaptation of Hjalmar Söderberg’s 1905 novel, Doktor Glas) who is engulfed in a dark reverie about a patient of his and his almost-impulsive desire to kill her husband. He struggles with his own isolation and moral issues as he also skirts the edge of suicidal ideation. 

Lavy's physicality of both his character's angst and the almost mystical way he conveys the woman patient in conversation with him are subtly amazing. His every move is specific, determined, and planned. Every piece of set is there for a reason. Nothing is extraneous.

The wonderful music that accompanies was chosen with extreme care, as well. The ensemble of chorus members changes, and may include the Lavy's teen daughter, Catherine. The harmonies are beautiful to listen to.

Everything the company decides is to enhance the performance. They practice a very high degree of theatrical awareness.

You might not be drawn to the description of the subject matter, but that shouldn't deter you, anyway. This is a special piece and a special performance. I certainly found a few moments to smile and laugh within the monologue, even as dark as it was. But the immersion in the world of the piece was the biggest draw.

Don't deprive yourself of this if you have the opportunity to get a seat! If it ends officially before you can go, they may decide to mount it again, but you'll have to pay attention to their web site for those future details. The company is one to watch, anyway!