By Bonnie Priever
The Why Factor: Proportion Distortion is a collaborative effort of Elizabeth Gordon, Christina Howard (producers) and Sheila Kelley S Factor, as well as the entire writing ensemble of talented women, that began in 2006 as a monologue showcase for women to share experiences through open discussion on body image and sexuality.
In 4 years time, their journey has grown to a staged production, unifying women, bringing out their most vulnerable of moments and ultimate empowerment. As one audience member so poignantly stated, “The characters are so real—each story and situation can easily resonate with each and every woman in some stage in life: dating, marriage, career…”
The play (to wax poetic, in the words of William Shakespeare’s Richard II) is “infused with self and vain conceit as if its flesh which walls about our life were brass impregnable…” The play juxtaposes the world of sex, excitement and libido with the fears, insecurities and trepidations that women of all walks of life face every day.
One of the greatest theatrical touches of The Why Factor is the eponymous voice-over of the therapist questioning each woman’s subconscious, exploring their deepest fears and unlocking their repressed sexuality. Through the masque of sexual innuendo, the women join together and form a bond in a pole dance class (based on the wildly popular Sheila Kelley S Factor classes).
As they all “dance around” their issues, they climb the pole seductively and with exuberant spirit, assuming any form they wish.
“The Why Factor: Proportion Distortion” runs Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm through Nov. 22 at L.A. Fringe Theatre (929 E. 2nd St. #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012). For more information, call (213) 680-0392 or visit www.LOFTensemble.com.