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Life & Arts

'Super' shows local theater perks

by CARA SARELLI 
The Daily Cougar

"The League of Evil will stop at nothing to destroy everything," according to Superwoman. It's modern times and the world is doomed, that is, unless she can find her way out of captivity. 

Captivity is an asylum, and also the setting for Superwoman vs. the League of Evil, a brand spanking new play showing at Notsuoh. 

Alex Wukman, a former UH student, wrote, directed and produced the play, which has been running since September. 

Since its inception nearly two years ago, the production has had its share of obstacles that include Superwoman herself. Tiffany Burgos is the fourth actress to play the part since its original casting. She approaches the roll with energy from the first line, never overacting, with just the right amount of subtlety and realism, a seemingly hard task considering the twisting plot. 

Gustavo Roman plays psychologist Dr. Killgore. He evaluates Superwoman's psychosis, questioning who she is in contrast to her files, which indicate she is Barbara Stanwyck, a wife and mother of two. As a scientist, the doctor is composed, logical and analytical, but Roman humanizes the character, delving into the subtext and making room for compassion and dry humor.

The show is a mixture of drama, mystery and comedy, pointing out the vast injustices of the world, while weaving in a little humor at all the right moments. 

The play's technical aspects are more than subdued: Wukman admittedly wrote Superwoman with the dark, classic style of 1940s film noir in mind. Stanwyck's name references the star of the 1944 film, Double Indemnity, and the costumes subscribe to the genre as well. Typically, audiences wouldn't expect to see Superwoman in knee-high boots, a short, all black-dress and a red cape, but her dress falls in line with the setting, contrasting well with the doctor's white lab coat, and the lighting.

Superwoman's lighting scheme gives the impression of an interrogation room. The set consists of a table and chairs, and the only characters present are Superwoman and the doctor.

Now 16 shows into its run, Superwoman is a must-see for anyone needing to step out of the norm for 30 minutes or anyone who appreciates original theater.

Wukman's first-ever script shows the promise of an up-and-coming playwright. The dialogue is purposeful, driving, quick-witted, and builds well. 

Wukman originally wasn't going to direct his play. Just in time for the sneak preview performance of the show Sept. 9, he lost his director while simultaneously working to recast the roll of Superwoman. From then on he adopted a do-it-yourself attitude that paid off.

Monday night's performance at Notshouh offered formal stage lighting for the first time in the show, which has previously run at several venues including Commerce Street Cafe and The Free Press' Westheimer Block Party last weekend. The coffeehouse and bar reopened Nov. 1, more than four years after closing down because of a rumored fire sweeping the place. 

Notsouh's reopening meets Superwoman on its last leg with just two free performances left, including a show Tuesday night and the final performance Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Notshouh is located at 314 Main St. between Preston and Congress. 

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