New York's Hidden Theatre

Walking into the basement of an unsuspecting brownstone, my eyes adjusted to the low lit converted stage in front of me. Four people wearing cheetah print robes and underwear lazily stretched into long sporadic movements. Swinging around basement poles and intertwining limbs, they lunged into a playful trance- running to and fro. One of the two girls caught my stare and responded with a wide Cheshire grin. I thought, “where am I?” as I patiently anticipated my evening inside the hidden theatre.

Exclusivity & Mindset

New York has a very particular drawl. I’m not talking about its infamous bells and whistles. Actually, I think it’s in spite of all that. It’s utterly unique in some other way and I think I finally have my finger on it… exclusivity. Before you raise your brow, I’m not referencing the elite societies or anything like that. I’m talking about the other shoe, the one that envelops us all. The expression that slipped, the secret circling the room, the brush of a brief collision, a poorly concealed lie, a chance encounter. It’s all the things you couldn’t possibly know, unless you were there. New York is full of those exclusive moments, which are arguably the entire premise of theatre in general.

My expertise with the art begins and ends with a few related classes during undergrad. (I definitely wouldn’t call myself well versed.) So every time I would get an opportunity to see a play, I kind of felt- uh, unqualified I guess? Like is it “theatre” or “theater”? I had this looming thought circulating- that attendance was contingent on some type of repertoire/language I didn’t speak. This is important, because I think it’s a common misconception and one I hope to debunk.

Stumbling In & The Insides of the Hidden Theatre

Back in November, I came across an event listed on Eventbrite (EB). (If you read my other post: Backyard Comedy, then you know it’s kind of my thing.) It was black and white photo of a girl smoking a cigarette with the words “Hotel Nepenthe” (A play written by John Kuntz) written above her. Reading further, I surmised it was a smaller/indie production, which sounded interesting. Best of all, the location was close to my apartment. (Which to me, meant I didn’t have an excuse not to go.)

Upon arrival, I was a little confused. There was a small line outside of a brownstone- just a regular brownstone, (townhouse/apartment) on a regular street, that looked like someone’s house. I stood in line and a girl scanned my ticket. Chairs pushed along the sides of the room, they looked close enough to reach out and touch the people on stage. There wasn’t one empty seat. (Even if the capacity was likely no more than 30 give or take.)

Hotel Nepenthe

It seemed like most people in the audience knew at least one of the actors or was friends with someone who did- almost like it was a production for friends. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I took it to mean I was in good company. Before I could chat up one of my neighboring seats, the lights dimmed darker, and then to black.

I can’t remember the first scene, but I do remember constantly wondering what would happen next. Fairy wings, love affairs, sex, murder, bell hops, whip cream- does that give you the just? No. I felt like I entered a new dimension for a while.

The lights cut on after the show and I started mingling. I met many people that night- actors, actresses, and people who genuinely loved theatre. Someone shared that my deemed “hidden theatre” was actually an acting school/production company called “Adult Film.” (Interesting name, I know.)

Once word got around that my presence was thanks to EB, I started having some fun conversations. I quickly realized they were a good crowd and ended up tagging along to a bar close by. I made a few friends who graciously answered my burning questions regarding theatre repertoire. What I learned is that theatre is really for everyone. It’s an art form the same way a painting, a book, a tv show, a song, and everything else is. (No repertoire required- so just go!)

Where We’re Born

When I heard Adult Film was producing another play, I couldn’t wait to bring a friend. (Especially since I hadn’t shut up about the first one!) At the same hidden theatre, in the same unsuspecting brownstone, (someone in the company’s actual house) Adult Film was producing “Where We’re Born” by Lucy Thurber.

The re-designed stage set included a mattress directly positioned in front of my friend and I’s seats. In fact, we were close enough that I worried if I crossed my legs I might trip an actress. (We saw ALL the action.) The play itself made me blush and was very intense. It concerned a college girl visiting home and engaging in more than one taboo relationship. While I can hardly pretend to be a theatre critic, I can say that the actors really succeeded in bringing their characters and story to life.

Another thing I have to highlight, is the astounding impact of lighting. One thing I especially admire about these productions/the hidden theatre, is the creativity and resourcefulness of materials. Adult Film exemplifies how much can be accomplished without a lot- making three sets on one stage and using lighting effects to isolate the audience’s focus.

My honest opinion is that in many ways, the hidden theatre (Adult Film) is better than Broadway. In the hidden theatre, the exclusivity is thick enough to get high on. You truly feel like you’re apart of it- making direct eye contact, sensing the palpable energy, and being close enough to see/touch it all. This is an experience wholly different from anything else and I truly just can’t recommend it enough. What’s even better, (and I can attest) is that the people behind it are as authentic and passionate as you’d hope they’d be.