Shermer: A Dramedy of Grief and Nostalgia

CAPITAL T THEATER’S “SHERMER” DEBUTS, SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT AND AMBITIOUS VISION

Eugene, OR – Capital T Theatre, formerly known as Pegasus Playhouse, is poised to make a significant mark on the local arts scene with its inaugural production, “Shermer.” Officially rebranded in 2023 and currently undergoing nonprofit incorporation, the company sets out with a clear mission to enrich Eugene’s theater ecosystem, prioritizing original works and unique theatrical experiences.”Shermer” features a reunion of trusted collaborators, including performer sarah Marshall and playwright and director Beth Dyball. Marshall expressed her unwavering confidence in Dyball and co-star Michael Welch, stating, “They could have come to me and said, you know, ‘We woudl like to dress up as chickens and do an interpretive dance,’ And I probably would have said yes.” This deep-seated trust allowed for a fluid creative process,with Dyball incorporating improvised dialog from Marshall and Welch into pivotal scenes. This approach, Dyball noted, successfully honed the play’s focus on the mother-daughter dynamic, creating a more emotionally resonant narrative.

Welch described the experience as more vulnerable than conventional roles, offering a glimpse into her personal self rather than a solely embodied character. “This is a little more vulnerable,” she explained. “Even though it’s a comedy, we go to some pretty deep places and an exploration of identity and who these people are. That’s a little scary at times.”

Capital T Theatre’s commitment extends beyond launching new plays. Their upcoming project is a production of Jez Butterworth’s Tony Award-winning play, “Jerusalem,” scheduled for next summer at the Very Little Theatre’s mainstage.This reflects their deliberate focus on “theater that you might not see other places.” Welch elaborated, “Our focus is local. It’s also on theater that you might not see other places. Not that it’s edgy or different, but there’s so much great material out there and everybody tends to do the same things, the same musicals. we want to do theater that you probably won’t see anywhere else in town.”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

“Shermer” will be performed at Oregon Contemporary Theatre, located at 194 W. Broadway, Eugene.
Showtimes are:
July 25-26 at 7:30 p.m.
July 27 at 2 p.m. (Sunday matinee)

The play runs for two hours and 15 minutes,including an intermission. Tickets are available for $21, plus a $4 fee.

EVERGREEN INSIGHT:

The launch of Capital T Theatre and their debut production of “Shermer” highlight the enduring power of collaboration and artistic vision in building a vibrant local arts community. For theater companies, establishing a distinct identity while fostering trust among artists is crucial for creative growth. Furthermore, the commitment to presenting unique and possibly underrepresented works, as Capital T Theatre aims to do, not only diversifies the cultural landscape but also cultivates a more complex and engaged audience. The success of “Shermer” and future productions will undoubtedly be a testament to this dedication, offering Eugene audiences a compelling alternative to mainstream theatrical offerings and solidifying the company’s place in the city’s artistic future.

How does “Shermer” uniquely blend comedic elements with the serious theme of grief?

The Unique Blend of Humor and Heartbreak

“shermer,” the 2023 dramedy directed by Kyle Marvin, isn’t easily categorized. It’s a film that delicately balances the weight of grief with the awkwardness of reconnecting with the past, creating a viewing experience that’s both profoundly moving and surprisingly funny. The film, starring Paul Mescal and Denis Ménochet, explores themes of loss, friendship, and the enduring power of memory. It’s a standout in the current landscape of self-reliant cinema, offering a refreshingly honest portrayal of male vulnerability and the complexities of navigating life after tragedy. Viewers searching for independent films about grief or dramedy movies will find a lot to appreciate.

Plot Summary & Key Characters

The story centers around Max (Mescal), a young man grappling with the recent death of his mother. He unexpectedly receives a call from Phil (Ménochet), a former high school classmate who is now living in Shermer, illinois. Phil’s father has passed away, and Max finds himself reluctantly agreeing to travel to Shermer to help Phil sort through his father’s belongings.

max: A struggling musician haunted by his mother’s death, max is emotionally closed off and uses humor as a defense mechanism. His journey is one of confronting his grief and rediscovering a sense of connection.

Phil: A seemingly more grounded and stable individual, Phil is also dealing with profound loss. He represents a different way of processing grief – one rooted in practicality and a desire to honor his father’s memory.

The Setting: Shermer, Illinois: The small-town setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself. Shermer embodies a sense of nostalgia and the weight of shared history, amplifying the emotional resonance of the story. The film’s exploration of small-town life adds another layer to its appeal.

exploring the Themes of Grief and Nostalgia

“Shermer” doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. Instead, it presents a nuanced and realistic depiction of the grieving process.The film avoids melodrama, opting for a more subtle and observational approach.

The Stages of Grief: While not explicitly outlining the five stages, the film subtly portrays Max and Phil navigating denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance in their own ways.

The Power of shared Experience: The film highlights how shared memories and experiences can provide comfort and connection during times of loss. Max and Phil’s reconnection is fueled by their shared history and their ability to understand each other’s pain.

Nostalgia as a Coping Mechanism: The film uses flashbacks and references to the past to illustrate how nostalgia can be both a source of comfort and a hindrance to moving forward. The exploration of nostalgia in film is notably effective.

Male Friendship & Vulnerability: “Shermer” offers a refreshing portrayal of male friendship, showcasing the importance of emotional support and vulnerability between men. This is a key element for audiences interested in films about male friendship.

Cinematography and Style: A Naturalistic Approach

The film’s visual style is deliberately understated and naturalistic.Director Kyle Marvin employs long takes and handheld camera work to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Realistic dialog: The dialogue feels authentic and unscripted, mirroring the way people actually communicate in real life.

Subtle Performances: Both Mescal and Ménochet deliver nuanced and understated performances,allowing the emotional weight of the story to resonate without being overly dramatic.

Emphasis on Atmosphere: The film’s cinematography emphasizes the atmosphere of Shermer, capturing the quiet beauty and melancholy of the small town. Fans of naturalistic filmmaking will appreciate this aspect.

critical Reception and Awards

“Shermer” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its honest portrayal of grief and its strong performances.

Rotten Tomatoes: The film currently holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics highlighting its emotional depth and its relatable characters.

Independent Spirit Awards: The film was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards,including Best Director and Best Screenplay.

* Sundance Film Festival: “Shermer” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023, where it garnered significant buzz and positive reviews. Its success at Sundance Film Festival helped launch it into wider recognition.

Why “Shermer” Resonates with Audiences

The film’s enduring appeal lies in its universality. Everyone experiences loss at