Marlane Meyer is a playwright who belongs to the school of moral instruction that believes that if you`re going to portray the evils of a decadent society, you`ve got to show, in graphic detail, just how decadent society is.
”Etta Jenks,” her deadpan tale of degradation in the porno film industry, therefore is obliged to display female frontal nudity, a murder by strangulation and a gallery of assorted sleazoids who creep through the slime of Hollywood`s netherworld.
The title character, a no-talent actress looking for a break in the movies, jumps into skin flicks soon after she gets off the train in Los Angeles. A little later, after serving her time as a porno star, she becomes a shrewd, well-paid talent scout in the business.
But is she happy? Certainly not, as Meyer improbably shows her progress from an innocent and aspiring working-class dog to a cynical and vengeful capitalist sow.
Along the way in this one-act odyssey, there are several snapshot/
blackout scenes of Etta and her fellow actresses at work, along with talk of bestiality and ”snuff” films, in which murders are arranged for the benefit of the camera.
Staged for its Midwest premiere in Strawdog Theatre`s second-floor studio space at 3829 N. Broadway, ”Etta Jenks” comes off as part voyeuristic cartoon and part surrealistic morality play, strung together without much feel for pacing by director Charles Harper.
Shannon Branham plays Etta with a bit more intelligence than the part demands, accompanied by a cast of players eager to develop every twist and tic of the pimps, sadists, airheads, hopheads and murderers they portray.
`ETTA JENKS`
A play by Marlane Meyer, directed by Charles Harper, with scenery by Michael Lapthorn, lighting by Jay Stoutenborough, costumes by Elea Crowther. Opened Jan. 22 at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, and plays at 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, through Feb. 23. Running time: 1:45. Tickets are $10, with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. Phone 312-528-9889.
THE CAST
Etta Jenks ……… Shannon Branham
Ben ……………. Steve Savage
Dolly ………….. Maggie Speer
Sherri …………. Carrie Hegdahl
Spencer ………… Arch Harmon
Kitty ………….. Jennifer Shattuck
James ………….. Mark Hisler
Shelly …………. Joan Quinlan
