February’s a day longer this year, and Seattle theater is taking advantage of it with plenty of shows.
‘Born with Teeth’
ArtsWest, Feb. 1 to 25
Up at the same time as Taproot Theatre’s similarly themed “The Book of Will,” “Born With Teeth” stars two local actors (Michael Monicatti as Kit Marlowe and Ricky Spaulding as William Shakespeare) and is giving Shakespeare himself, rather than his characters, a chance in the spotlight. Just the posters alone drip with charisma and, if I may, homoerotic energy that compels me to get a front-row seat.
‘Once More, Just for You’
Seattle Public Theater, Feb. 2 to 25
The only way I’ll stop being interested in time travel is if future-me shows up and tells me I have to or the world will end. But even then … I don’t know, that’s pretty intriguing, future-Henry. This world premiere has a small but strong cast — only three actors — and continues Seattle Public Theater’s (unofficial?) mission of highlighting Asian talent in the area, from Seattle playwright Maggie Lee to the cast and some of the crew. I saw the show opening weekend, and it’s officially my favorite of the year so far.
‘The Lower Depths’
The Seagull Project at Intiman Theatre, Feb. 6 to 24
If we know one thing at Real Change, it’s that stories about homelessness are difficult to pull off. The thoughtful way “The Lower Depths” has been framed gives me hope that this play will spark new conversations and ways of thinking about the housing crisis. Intiman Theatre and The Seagull Project have partnered with multiple nonprofits for post-show conversations about real-life struggles faced by people on society’s margins.
'年轻人社死档案室' (‘Young People Social Death Archive’)
Yun Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson, Feb. 16 to 18
Yun Theatre showcases Mandarin-language plays, and this time there will be English subtitles, centering Chinese culture while increasing accessibility so more of us can sit in the awkwardness of trying to grow up amid everything else going on. “社死” (shè sï˘) is, according to Yun Theatre, “a Chinese internet slang term” that “directly translates to ‘social death.’” Who hasn’t felt so embarrassed in a social setting they feel “irreparably harmed?”
‘Luchadora!’
Seattle Children’s Theatre, Feb. 22 to March 17
My niece so enjoyed the last production we saw at Seattle Children’s Theatre that “Luchadora!” has been on my to-watch list since November. An adaptation of the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, this story of lucha libre and family looks exciting and sweet. Plus, I know people in it (shout out to Dacha Theatre members Beth Pollack and James Schilling!).
Henry Behrens is the Arts Editor of Real Change. They handle the arts coverage and design the weekly print paper. Contact them at [email protected].
Read more of the Feb. 7–13, 2024 issue.