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from the issue of November 16, 2006
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'Shortbus' continues run at Mary Riepma Ross theater
The sex may be explicit, but in "Shortbus," director John Cameron Mitchell integrates it into the characters' lives and serves a whole store with a generous dose of sweetness and wit.
"Shortbus" (not rated) is playing through Nov. 22 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Due to the graphic nature and explicit content of the film, viewer discretion is advised.
Sofia, a sex therapist, has been faking it for years with her husband Rob. The film opens as James and his long-term boyfriend Jamie come to Sofia as clients to discuss a recent development in their relationship. James has suggested that they open up their sexual relationship to other partners, and the adoring Jamie is reluctant but willing to give it a try. In their session, roles reverse as Sofia admits her own problem, which catapults her onto a far-flung quest for her own personal consummation.
Three important characters orbit the two couples - Sofia and Rob, James and Jamie.
Severin is a dominatrix prostitute/artist who lives in a tiny industrial storage unit. She has never experienced a deep, lasting relationship and loneliness is taking its toll. Severin offers to help Sofia find her orgasm, and in return, Sofia will give Severin free therapy to help her in her quest for connection.
Meanwhile, Ceth falls for James and Jamie - not separately, but as a couple. He pursues the idea of a monogamous three-way relationship with them.
And, Caleb lives in an apartment with a grandstand view of James' and Jamie's apartment. He is shocked by the arrival of Ceth, seeing him as a danger to James' and Jamie's "perfect" relationship. He sets out to eliminate that threat.
All the characters converge on Shortbus, a modern-day weekly salon in the Parisian Gertrude Stein tradition. The salon takes place in the Brooklyn loft/domicile of host Justin Bond, who carefully fosters a communitarian sanctuary of art, music, politics and sex.
In the shelter of this sanctuary, all of the "Shortbus" characters begin to understand how to answer the question, "Am I to be alone or am I not?"
For more information (including a complete list of Ross movies and show times), go online to www.theross.org or call 472-5353.
Also showing at the Ross
“Fast Food Nation” (nov. 17-Dec. 7)
An examination of health issues and social consequences of America’s love affair with fast food. Inspired by author Eric Schlosser’s best-seller of the same name.
“Keeping Mum” (Nov. 24-Dec. 7)
A dark British comedy about an absent-minded vicar who is so distracted by work that he fails to notice his wife’s dalliance with her golf instructor.
“This Film Has Not Been Rated” (Nov. 24-Dec. 7)
An examination of the Motion Picture Association of America’s rating system.
For more information go online to www.theross.org.
GO TO: ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 16
ARTS HEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER 16
Grange studies link between Yiddish, American theater
American Life in Poetry
FIRST FRIDAY VISIT
Ray Charles musical plays Lied Nov. 21
'Shortbus' continues run at Mary Riepma Ross theater
732631S36470X
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