Life in the Middle Ages

Life in the Middle Ages will debut at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 9th. Strictly speaking to and for those experiencing middle age, people under the age of 30 are being strongly deterred from attending the show. In fact, the show actually comes with the following caution, “WARNING: THIS SHOW IS RATED NC-30. ATTENDING THIS SHOW MAY CAUSE EARLY ONSET MIDLIFE CRISIS IN PERSONS UNDER THIRTY.”

The medieval-themed, multi-media, one-man show equates the realizations that initiate midlife crisis with receiving a terminal diagnosis that triggers the grieving process. Using Elizabeth Kübler Ross’ five stages of grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance – “Life in the Middle Ages” illustrates the midlife crisis experience. Addressing its subject matter through observation, storytelling, video and group participation, the show allows the audience to both commiserate and celebrate the universally dreaded concept of midlife crisis.

Written and produced by its star, 51-year-old “recovering” comedian Steve Ochs, the play is an unusual addition to a festival that has been specifically described as a way to nourish young visionaries. However, Ochs feels that the play’s subject matter is well warranted.