Reviewed by Matt Ritchey
Kevin Broccoli is famed for writing, JAMES FRANCO AND ME, an imagined meeting with the famous actor, who was “portrayed by different profiles (old man, young woman, teenager) each show” but the production was shut down via Cease and Desist. BANKSY AND ME is Broccoli’s follow-up and if Banksy ever finds out about it, I hope they’ll watch it before passing judgement.
Banksy, of course, is the genius and subversive artist who’s identity, despite being on the scene for decades, remains obscured. Is Banksy a member of the band Massive Attack? Is Banksy Massive Attack? Is Banksy many artists each taking the reigns for a moment? Am I Banksy? (I’m not, but that’s just the kind of thing I’d tell you if I was Banksy.)
Kevin (Tom Sys) is a writer who wants to find out as much as he can about Banksy and gets a fantastic opportunity to meet and interview the legend. Banksy (Derek Santiago), meanwhile, is more interested in having deeper artistic conversations with Kevin, exploring beyond the realm of the mundane and really digging into “what is art?”
With videos of his infamous painting mutilation and photographic tours through “Dismaland,” Banksy walks us through his worldview…. Until things become too much and —- okay, while I’d love to go on, I don’t want to ruin it for future viewers. But suffice it to say, it’s Metatheater at its finest and totally fitting in theme with its titular character.
The Two Oceans Theater production of the show at Theater 68 last week was fantastic. The actors were in the pocket and truly wonderful, the pacing was amazing, the musical interludes by Mason Stroud were interesting and fun. And the blend of direction by Marco Muxo and deft talents of the leads created a fast-paced and engaging evening. I was truly impressed.
The opening video of Banksy’s Sotheby’s art destruction was meant to lend some gravitas, but the audio was covered by music (most likely for legal reasons) and should have been edited down to the basics to move the production along. The script, which intentionally leaves room for some improv, is fun and well-done, though by the time the third act arrives, it starts to veer too far off, repeating beats and no longer driving forward with intent.
But overall, it’s an interesting, thought-provoking, and fun show and this particular production would do well to be mounted again for a longer run.
Photo credit: Anna Santos. Derek Santiago (L) and Tom Sys (R) in BANSKY AND ME.
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