New York City
Helmet is a kid obsessed with computer games. The shop, where he spends most of his days, is closing down. Sal, the owner, despises guys like Helmet and blames them for his, and the shop’s, downfall. Sal takes his now ample time pining for his wife’s return, dodging his father, and trying to convince Helmet to change his ways. Sal feels if he can succeed at something then he can finally face the mess in his private life. But it maybe too late as the truth slowly comes out and they both move through the levels of the play.
Helmet, by Douglas Maxwell, is told in the style of a video game. The shop is real, the characters are real, but the play is framed by the paraphernalia of a game; energy bars, multiple lives, check points, etc. The American premiere production is presented in a physical aesthetic and with a vibrant sound track that compliments the computer game format and challenges the senses. Maryann Lombardi directs.