The Public Theatre has a delightful reputation for bringing audiences unique theatrical experiences, and it recently did just that with “ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,” a one-woman comedic production written and performed by Julia Masli with direction by Kim Noble. A Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company touring production, it was 70 minutes of a completely improvised show that depended on audience participation, so it was different for every performance.
Masli had the audience in the palm of her hand as she went around with a microphone (in a very odd place), put it in people’s faces, and asked, “Problem.” One by one, audience members shared a problem they were experiencing at that moment, whether it had to do with needing a job, finding love, or having a physical ailment. Masli seemed to have props readily at hand to aid with whatever people identified as their problem. One man in the audience said he had a problem sleeping, and she actually bought out a bed from backstage complete with sheets, a pillow, and an eye mask and had him lay on it for the rest of the performance. Masli also made impromptu love connections for people and it was a lot of fun to watch.
Although it was billed as a comedy, some of the issues that people shared were not always funny and Masli was beautifully able to go with the flow of the audience’s issues and give a sympathetic ear and some caring advice. It was one of those shows where everyone in the audience was open-minded to receive whatever the evening’s 70 minutes with no intermission. One audience member even shared that this was her second time at the show, and that she had already bought a ticket for the next day.
There was something marvelously healing and therapeutic about being in the audience. It made one realize that none of us is alone in the problems that we face in our lives and sometimes just being in a space with strangers and getting to share our humanity can be a precious gift.
I don’t know if Masli will return to The Public, but if she does, make plans to attend this show — it will be an experience you will never forget. I know I won’t.
For more information about shows at The Public, visit publictheater.org.