Review: ‘Arrest the Clowns: Insolent Until Proven Guilty’ at Actors' Gang Theatre

Directed by The Actors’ Gang director Chas Harvey and written by Harvey, Megan Stogner, Willa Fossum and Cihan Sahin, “Arrest the Clowns: Insolent Until Proven Guilty” promises to be “an action-packed nail-biter about a revolutionary freedom squad of buffoons who will stop at nothing to take down the elusive artificial intelligence LOLA and save the world.”

However, experiencing the play is more of a mixed bag of vaguely revolutionary rhetoric, profanity and the stale scent of herbal cigarettes.

Scene from The Actors' Gang "Arrest the Clowns: Insolent Until Proven Guilty" (Photo by Bob Turton Photography)

Director Harvey performs his own piece as The Good Reverend Doctor MLK Ultra. As such, he speaks to the sun and is sent on a mission to change the course of history. But like much of the show, striking visuals and frenetic movement overshadow the substance of the play.

Rambling monologues are shouted—or whispered with a mumble—into a microphone with ever-changing vocal sound effects. It is difficult to differentiate the other performers (Stogner, Fossum, Sahin and Zoe Molina) as characters come and go with no apparent connection to each other.

Sahin stands out as a talented actor and clown. As Dalvador Sali, with his painted face and thin mustache, he serves as a sort of host throughout. His pieces are cohesive and well written; he spars with the A.I. LOLA and occasionally returns for “story time.” Sahin’s interludes keep the show moving between pieces and provides much-needed structure and relief.

Scene from The Actors' Gang "Arrest the Clowns: Insolent Until Proven Guilty" (Photo by Bob Turton Photography)

Sound and lighting design are also well conceived and executed. Many of the laughs are dependent on timely lighting cues, as well as sound controlled by a sampler machine, operated on stage by rotating cast members. Giant text is projected across the black backdrop and sharp spotlights are artfully deployed.

In its spirit—its very essence—"Arrest the Clowns” is a declaration of independence from capitalism, consumerism, and from fear and oppression, though it isn’t necessarily successful at conveying that message on stage. Great comedy can be chaotic, but actual chaos may be less effective.

 “Arrest the Clowns: Insolent Until Proven Guilty” continues through Nov. 15 at The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City, with shows Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 310-838-4264 or visit TheActorsGang.com.