a play about final girls

it’s been ten years since everyone died

The press materials for this play, currently having its first full-length production at Open Space Arts, explained a few things that were new to me. First, there is apparently a cinematic term called the “final girl.” It refers to a trope that’s very common in almost every modern day slasher film. In movies such as “Scream,” “Halloween,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” and countless others, these horror thrillers center around a group of young people being hunted down, brutally attacked and mercilessly slaughtered by a homicidal maniac. By the final reel, only one character has survived to confront the killer and thus tell the story. That individual is usually female and is referred to as the “final girl.”

Another thing I learned from the press material is the basic plot of the play. I have to admit that I was a little confused by what I actually saw on stage because the play’s structure is so choppy. The opening scene made me really hopeful. The play began with a grainy, purposely amateur-looking 8mm film that reminded me of “The Blair Witch Project.” Kudos to Video Producer, Shane Hogan, and Sound Designer, Kiera Battles, for their fine artistic contributions. But then, in a frustrating bit of staging, all four actors stand up and block the audience’s view of the screen. However, the film and sound design return again later in the play. 

From the press release I was told that this is “a dark 

comedy/horror play” about “three survivors who were hunted down by killers and, against all odds, survived.” Okay…I kinda got that. Eventually, I got that. We meet Maude, Betsy and Allison. Oh, and then there’s Sam, but I wasn’t sure if this character was appearing in a flashback, as a memory or maybe as a ghost? Also, I never found the play to be a “dark comedy” (except for one bizarre and unexpected exclamation made by Allison near the end of the play). I think that if this 90-minute one-act had been written and directed as a true parody of the genre, it would’ve been far more successful. But as it is, I can’t figure out the audience for whom this play is aimed? 

I was also confused about the details of the play’s past events. Were all three of these young women in the same locale and terrified by the same killer? Or did they each experience a different traumatic situation in different places by different slashers? The details are so muddled that, frankly, I was confused. I eventually figured out that the three main characters have all been coerced to attend some sort of New Age therapeutical retreat in the woods, to help them heal. Naively, I figured that eventually all would be made clear. 

Maude, the principal character in this story, seems to have been most affected by the killing(s). Maybe she’s actually the killer—I have no idea. She’s portrayed with plenty of guts and grandiosity by Julia Toney. Playing multiple roles, Alex Marusich portrays Sam, two different therapists and some others. This actor’s particular strength is their excellent elocution and polished command of language. Alexis Queen, who tends to be a little too reticent for the stage, when delivering many of her lines, is a sensual and confident actress. She plays the (former?) cheerleader, Betsy, a character with a guarded secret. And Noah Hinton, who portrays Allison with intelligence, strength and subtlety, gives a remarkably powerful performance as a transgender individual.

I applaud Open Space Arts for their bold and often brazen productions. But I left this show shaking my head. I was confused, let down and dissatisfied with what I had just experienced. I confess that I have enjoyed almost every single production that this company has presented. They’ve been artistically produced, skillfully directed (especially when utilizing this intimate venue) and performed by many talented actors. The shows are always entertaining and enlightening, as well. 

But sadly, this play by Cesario Tirado-Ortiz, who “creates queer stories for queer folks,” was merely interesting but ultimately disappointing. Based upon the press information I received, the drama I was expecting wasn’t what I actually saw. Teri Talo’s Direction is sincere and powerful with plenty of grit and gore, their cast is a talented quartet of actors and the imaginative technical support adds some real tension and thrills. But for me, I simply found the script itself mostly confusing and a little disappointing.

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 21-April 6 by Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to their website, www.openspacearts.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.