SALT LAKE CITY — Do You Want to See Me Naked?, produced by Sackerson at the Salt Lake Fringe Festival was a delight. This one woman monologue, written and directed by Morag Shepherd and starring Elizabeth Golden, was deeply moving and hilariously witty.
Show closes August 5, 2017.
Classical live violin music opened the performance and was replaced by a loud clubbing song, and these two music types were inserted throughout the show adding to humor and mood. They were also an emphasis to the contrasting moments throughout Golden’s show. Lines like, “I don’t care what people think of me—yes I do…” Peppered the script.
She told of having to deal with unfair and stuffy patriarchy as a former Mormon and of her disastrous temple marriage. She shares some of her depressive habits, like saying “I’m sorry” all the time. Pushing past the untold rules of society, she openly discusses a woman’s menstrual cycle and childbirth.
Her performance was full of hilarious innuendos and actions. She was so clever at keeping attention every second with the way she would quickly change tactics or emotions. She included everyone by periodically asking the audience to say “Amen” or to breathe, thus sharing her experience of being told what to do by the one in charge. One line I found particularly enjoyable was, “I think it would be really satisfying if you left here and told everybody how bad this is,” particularly because the entire show was so good.
I would highly recommend this show if you can possibly get a ticket, though readers should be aware of the show’s strong language and adult content. While Golden’s story was unique to her own life, there were many parts that would compare to mine and I was grateful for the understanding that she gave some of my experiences. Sometime during the performance she said, “I know this isn’t everyone’s experience, but it’s mine.” And I’m so glad she chose to share.
Full disclosure: One of the producers of this production (Dave Mortensen) is the founder of Utah Theatre Bloggers Association. Mr. Mortensen did not have any involvement with the writing or editing of this piece. Honest criticism was encouraged.
