Etched in Skin on a Sunlit Night

Olafur, Jonsi and Jules in Iceland

InterAct Theatre located at 2030 Sansom Streets is presenting the World Premiere of Etched in Skin on a Sunlit Night through June 24.  This brilliant piece of theatre has intricately woven plots and subplots that keep the audience glued to the edge of their seats.  Just when the story line seems somewhat clear, one more layer of the onion is peeled away to display yet another portrait of the tortured Jules, the artist in question and the pictures she is giving birth to... Phyllis Johnson portrays Jules, a black ex-patriot American who has fled to Iceland to make a new life for herself.   Johnson does exceptional work as Jules is simultaneously mired down with three conflicts... with her husband Olafur, portrayed by Ian Bedford, with Warton, another black American visiting Iceland who is portrayed by Akeem Davis, and most acutely with herself, as is sometimes is shown by an Icelandic spirit or alter ego Jonsi, portrayed by Jared McLenigan.  Warton and Jules are both hiding secrets that they only share with each other and Olafur has secrets of his own which are known only by the man in the street. Thrown into the mix is the innocence of an 8 year old, the beautiful and talented Aria Jones who portrays Kina, the biracial daughter of Olafur and Jules. This outstanding production asks more questions than it answers.  Why would a white father give his biracial daughter a book that clearly denigrates blacks?  Of all the characters, who has the most to atone for? Would it make a difference in their lives if the whole truth were known? Can you ever  “go home” again?  Most playwrights tie up all the loose ends very nicely by the end of their work.  Kara Lee Corthron leaves you thirsting for more. For tickets or further information call 215-568-8079 or visit online at   wwww.InterActTheatre.org.