Review: ‘Dead, Therefore I Am’ at East Theatre at the Complex

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In ‘Dead, Therefore I Am,’ actor-writer-director Max Leavitt displays a plethora of resources in his multimedia look at a severe depressive facing 30. ‘Cerebral atavism’ is how J.T. Blackwell (Leavitt) codifies his condition after his death, which may not be the suicide it appears.

The psychological term could account for his relationship with dog-headed Egyptian god Anubis (Nicholas Tucci) and the sadistic games he plays with J.T. from on high. However, it hardly explains kohl-eyed Sophie (Karen Jean Olds), J.T.’s childhood friend, whose nihilistic surface conceals all-too-human grievances.

Certainly, the opening, with silent-movie footage segueing into a faintly Sartre-flavored monologue from J.T.’s disembodied head, portends a vivid post-Expressionist mosaic. After the curtains reveal a grungy garage apartment (designed by Six14 Productions), highlights include J.T.’s thwarted suicide attempt in a wading pool, possibly imaginary absurdist doctors and/or dealers (Nicholas Vitulli), and the exposed motivation behind Sophie’s rants. References are as varied as Winston Churchill and the origins of the guillotine, and there’s evident intelligence to the designs and intent.

Yet whether this ‘goth-punk comedy’ coheres into larger meaning is questionable. A gap exists between cause and effect, due equally to Leavitt wearing one too many hats, an overload of elements on an undersized canvas, and the recurring air of self-indulgence. ‘Dead’ gets points for ambition, but its chief impression is that of a particularly ornate NYU master’s thesis project.

--David C. Nichols

‘Dead, Therefore I Am,’ East Theatre at the Complex, 6468 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends May 24. $20. (323) 960-7714. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Caption: Max Leavitt and Karen Jean Olds in ‘Dead, Therefore I Am’ Credit: Ed Krieger