‘Chapatti’ offered by Theater Voices
ALBANY, N.Y. >> About two months ago, Theater Voices was about to close operations after 32 years of offering free staged readings in Albany. A serious loss of grant money put the organization in such financial jeopardy, it was thought they might have to disband.
The good news is Friday through Sunday the organization is presenting a reading of the two-character play, “Chapatti” at Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany.
The better news is Theatre Works will soon announce a 2019-2020 season. Their public plea for donations was successful, and the organization is financially secure — enough to face the future relatively risk-free. Artistic Director, Eileen Schuyler, said she was “overwhelmed” by the love and support the organization received from the community.
While acknowledging that the financial support was critical, she is equally warmed by the notes, letters, and email she’s received in support of the organization.
“It is so gratifying to know after more than 30 years of offering high-quality theater to the area, we mean so much to so many people. People really stepped up when they heard we were in trouble,” she said.
Schuyler also said she realized a public plea for financial help is something you can do only once. She says she and the rest of the board of directors have been diligent in seeking out more stable forms of revenues and grants.
“We can’t let this happen again,” she says. She adds that the crisis was so real; they didn’t plan a 2019-20 season. “It will be announced soon,” she said, reassuring her supporters.
But for Schuyler, 2019-2020 is on hold. She is focusing on Theater Voices’ true mission: putting on a quality play for four performances over the weekend.
In “Chapatti,” the professional actress is teaming up with David Bunce, another local professional actor, to tell the story of how two lonely people in their 60s meet through their pets and find hope for a happier future.
Schuyler was reluctant to talk too much about the plot because she says “It sounds sweet, sentimental and sad. It’s not. There are some very funny moments and it is a very moving story with surprising depth. Essentially, it’s about how much we all need a human connection.”
Her costar, Bunce, agreed. “I play Dan, a man who just lost the woman he lived with for 30 years. He is so despondent he would probably end his own life, except there would be no one to take care of his dog, Chapatti. He meets Betty, the ultimate cat lady. He hates cats; she has 19. But they like each other.”
Neither actor would term the play a romance, but they agree that their friendship offers each of them something to live for. Says Bunce, “This is a play about hope, about moving forward in the future. The writing is absolutely gorgeous.”
Schuyler describes the couple as “Two of a kind. They are the type of people no one notices. They are alone and lonely, but they are filled with humanity that is very deep. Their relationship becomes very heartwarming.”
Another thing upon which the two agree is that the 90-minute piece is difficult to perform. One reason, explains Bunce, is there are a lot of monologues which inform the audience but deprive the play of dialogue. “I probably speak directly to the audience more than I do to Eileen,” says Bunce. “Our work is to find a way to connect our stories to the characters.”
Schuyler agrees with the difficulties for an actor, but feels it is an asset. “It’s an unusual structure and a challenge for an actor. But for an audience, the rewards are many. When those monologues work, it is so charming, as well as informative.
“The more I think about it, the more I realize this is almost the perfect play for Theater Voices. It’s ideal for an audience who enjoys listening to a play rather than just seeing a play.”
“Chapatti” produced by Theater Voices at Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany. Performances 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.