Cheerful Insanity: Chao and Katzberg in Repertory

Tom X. Chao, a long-time theater stalwart (Cats Can See the Devil, Can’t Get Started) presents Callous Cad, a fast-paced investigation into what constitutes fulfilling relationships…far from the usual ordinary fare. In it, a lonely man finally consummates his first and only relationship but still feels unfulfilled. Before he can lapse into solitary rumination, his despair is thoroughly and hilariously examined by a colorful interloper. Alongside Chao, comic actress Charlotte Pines (Play Dead) co-stars, performing a startling variety of roles. Also featuring Amy Virginia Buchanan. John Harlacher directs. Special video appearances by Richard Harrington, Margaret Laney, Mike Urdaneta, & Ian W. Hill.

Breakout playwright and performer Kim Katzberg stretches the usual boundaries of one-woman shows with Penetrating the Space, a tragicomic send-up of every confessional solo show you’ve ever hated — where female performers re-objectify themselves by looking for sympathy in talking about abuse. Jinny Jikkyl is an unhinged bisexual performance artist and incest survivor who mistakenly believes that theatricalizing her psychological fragmentation and integration in front of an audience will lead to mainstream acceptance in the acting industry and a big-time agent. Penetrating the Space upends the archetype of the damaged girl putting herself in front of an audience and rapes the form of traditional theater through penetrating the space with video, sculpture, animation and performance art. John Harlacher directs.