‘Electoral Dysfunction’ a bipartisan political roast
If you are bewildered by the theatrics of this political season, “Electoral Dysfunction” may offer a remedy. The festival of eight 10-minute plays opens at the Vortex Theatre on Friday, Aug. 26, incorporates comedy and drama, red and blue, heaven and hell and Democrat and Republican. The spotlight shines on them all, and audiences get to vote for their favorite.
“Prude and Prejudice” features a Donald Trump-like character ruling over the Bennet family as mayor in Jane Austen’s reserved universe, coordinator Billy Trabaudo said.
In “Heaven,” a politician reaches the pearly gates, only to be shown the back door.
“Our emcees will be doing some Donald Trump impressions and some Hillary Clinton impressions,” he added. “There’ll be Bill Clinton and Melania Trump, too.
“Most of them are comedies,” Trabaudo continued. “We wanted to lift people up in what has been a turbulent political season.”
Expect simple sets and short pieces.
This marks the third time the Vortex has mocked the presidential political process.
The local playwrights include Susan Erickson, Richard E. Peck, Liz McMasters, J.B. Saavedra, Barry Simon, Jim Hisler, Kathleen Matthews and Hugo Patino-Cano.
The five directors range from the established to the neophyte. A cast of 13 actors will perform.
“The plays poke fun at both sides of the aisle,” Trabaudo said. “It’s kind of a bipartisan event. It’s a great way to have fun.”