Chip and I went to see the Irish Arts Center’s sold-out production of Ladies & Gents the other night. It’s being performed in the toilets at Bethesda Fountain, which on its face sounds pretty creepy, dank and smelly. That works perfectly for the play, an innovative noir thriller that has already appeared to acclaim in Edinburgh and Dublin. Groups of 20 playgoers are herded, none too gently, into either the men’s or women’s restroom. For the next 20 minutes, they’re elbow to elbow with a motley crew of Fifties-era low lifes who do all sorts of low-lifey things. Everyone is then escorted to the opposite chamber to see the other half of the tawdry tale. It’s all very atmospheric and–since it’s March–literally chilling.
What struck me most was the superb lighting by Sinead McKenna, who truly brought a noir film to life. The whole thing is lit to the millimeter, from the blade of light that slants across the sinister stranger’s face to the golden puddle that illuminates the discarded handkerchief.
And I have to say, for all its down-and-dirty provenance, the IAC production finds itself in a pretty swank milieu. The Bethesda Terrace Arcade was recently restored and it is beautiful! The 15,876 elaborately patterned encaustic tiles in the ceiling–most of which have been in storage for more than 20 years–are simply breathtaking. According to the Central Park Conservancy, it’s the only known example in the world where Minton encaustic ceramic tiles are used in a suspended ceiling. At night, the discreet modern lighting fixtures fill the space with a lovely golden glow. It’s just elegant. If you’re in the park after dark, you should definitely stroll over to visit the Angel of the Waters and her lovely new anteroom.
