Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness As Interpreted and Radically Performed By Brian T. Finney

The Actor’s Gang Theater’s Saturday night opening gala of Joseph Conrad’s , “Heart Of Darkness” as interpreted and radically performed by TV and film actor, Brian T. Finney, was simply put, spectacular.  The evening presented in classic Hollywood fashion, mirrored high attendance for the Culver City located venue.  Finney’s performance commanded perked ears, wanting eyes and longing mouths all waiting for Finney’s well preserved talent, and its uninterrupted expression.  Shall we say, we witnessed a “Heart Of Darkness” movement.    Marlow, Kurtz and the all but two invisible crew, were captured by Finney’s accurate and emotional description of the novel’s main theme, which discusses the subject of Colonialism.  The Ovation, 2001 award winning best actor gave a perfect rendition reminding us of a time that stamped our world with undeniable and irrevocable responsibility.  He can also be seen in Modern Family, Grimm and Weeds, just to name a few TV shows and movies.  The theatre set ticket prices at an affordable $34.99 general admission and $30.00 for seniors and students. There were times during Finney’s monologue, that he expressed a childlike innocence while portraying the various psychological shadows of the historical and highly publicized novella.   Conrad’s story tells of Charlie Marlow, a hired river boat captain who acts as somewhat of a private investigator, eventually developing an incessant interest in a certain Ivory procurement agent and chief of the Inner Station. The natives respectfully knew him as, Mr. Kurtz.   “Heart Of Darkness” was written between 1898 and February 1899, while Conrad was still working on, “Lord Jim” and blocked on the Rescue.  It is to date, one of Conrad’s most widely read body of works. 

Brian T. Finney presents a laughable yet serious conversational outburst which clearly reflects the acute and awkward behavior of Marlow’s interaction with Kurtz, Chief Officer, described as a slim, bald Belgian man with a big forehead.  His voice was heard to be deep, strong and vibrating and strangely enough dubbed perfectly with Finney’s, voice.  The voice seemingly arose from the almost dark spaces, of the Gang’s Theatre.  A not to missed, was Finney’s strong facial contortions, which at times during his prancing across the stage, seem to take on a life of their own, leaving us feeling guilty for having seen them.  Those same expressions also described the mental framework of Kurtz, who could easily lay claim to a 2013 internet viral exclusive.  The twitter feed would be the real multiplication choice, as he gained some impressive numbers, droned for his gangsta type style persona.  The talked about African mistress could be clearly seen through a dark, blue bellow of smoke cast upon the stage’s canvas sailor styled backdrop. Finney spoke out loud, boldly reciting scripted and poetic wording, that sampled Kurtz’s mannerisms, and his relations to the Congo natives.  The three backdrops were interchangeable, and had to be moved by hand. They also made a neat and handy visual stimulus of collected skulls, tropical and thickly filled forest and the dark natives.  The cotton woven canvas were shown with a collective of colored lighting emphasizing the tie dyed, deep and brightly stained colors, giving a mysterious feeling of elegance on the stage.  Finney transformed into several characters, one of which was an exact and profound spiritual countenance of Kurtz intended fiancée.  Finney’s finessed delivery of Kurtz’s dying, stretched out body and how it appeared to the natives, gives a chilling but true prediction of what happens to all good men, seduced by the dark mystery of the Congo.  His characters make for a perfect five star +, and are compatible with Facebook and Twitter formats.  The many moods and very broad acting range of Brian T. Finney could be used on any best entertainment menu, and is a tastefully prepared recipe for success.   The Actors Gang’s founder and one of Brian’s biggest supporters, Tim Robbins came out to lend a resounding clap for a job well done. Finney, and the Actor Gang’s Director Keythe Farley along with Robbins attended the after party at nearby Culver City Hotel, welcoming the show for a solid run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM.  Farley is known for “Bat Boy, The Musical”, a project of which he co-authored. The show received the Lucille Lortel and Outer Critic’s Circle Award.  Keythe, directed the show setting it up to win the best musical direction and writing honor.  The tale draws to an end as viewers watch an unbelievable transformation of man to woman, back to man, and then back to Finney.  A year passes and his portrayal of the now deceased Kurtz’s intended fiancée’s coming to grips with her dear, might have been husband’s death, is nothing short of raw and unfiltered channeling.  Once again we are invited guest who are allowed to look deeper, into his depth of character and artistry.   Kurtz was also a skilled musician and painter whose oratorical skills were used intentionally in order to provide leadership for his crew.  The Actors Gang has over 30 years of international acclaim receiving awards for presenting over 150 and unconventional and uncompromising plays and dynamic interpretations of the classics in Los Angeles, throughout the United States, and in five continents. Artistic director, Robbins and Associate Artistic Director, Cynthia Ettinger provide a theater and safe Artspace for like minded artists.  The theatre has presented the work of innovated artist such as Jack Black, George Bigot, Simon Abkarian, Charles Mee, Bill Rauch and The Cornerstone Theatre Company, Tracy Young, Roger Guenver Smith, and Tenacious Dee amongst many.

 For more information contact, Gemma Soldati at 310-838-4264.

Gemma@theactorsgang.com.

Ticket prices: $34.99 general admission and $30.00 for seniors and students.

www.theactorsgang.com.  The Actor’s Gang Theatre is located at the Ivy Substation at 9070 Venice Blvd (near the intersection of Culver and Venice Blvd) in Culver City.