‘Orlando’ @ Noveltease Theatre

Noveltease Theatre’s unique blend of literature and the art of the tease continues with their narrative burlesque adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” a story about love, poetry and exploring the many facets of yourself.

“Imagine you’re an Elizabethan nobleman with everything you could ever want,” co-artistic director and co-choreographer Fosse Jack tells The Ticket in an interview. “Then you fall in love, have your heart broken and turn to poetry to help heal. Then one day, you fall asleep and then wake up as woman. No explanation. It just is. Then you live your life in a new gender, with new social expectations and new loves, but still you come back to poetry… and now you tell your story, reflecting on all the different versions of yourself.”

The show, adapted by company member Jesse Belle-Jones and directed/co-choreographed by Alyza DelPan Monley, doesn’t simply leave the concept of transformation to the script level; seven different actors play the title role.

“I am really excited for our audiences to experience each actor’s take on the character of Orlando,” Jack continues. “Woolf wrote, ‘For she had a great variety of selves to call upon…,’ and it is so cool to see that come to life! Gender plays a big role in the book, and I think we really get to go deeper (and gayer) in our exploration.”

This is the company’s second collaboration with the multitalented and in-demand DelPan Monley, following 2021’s “The Odyssey.” “Alyza’s blending of clowning and dance works really well with Noveltease’s signature narrative burlesque,” Jack says. “It’s going to be bright, colorful, poetic, a little weird, beautiful and just a bit silly. I am eager to see Robin Macartney’s scenic design take shape, and the costumes by Scarlett O’Hairdye are going to be amazing!”

What can Jack promise to those who purchase a ticket? “It is safe to say that poetic chaos and gender shenanigans shall ensue.”