In the Elevator

“In the Elevator” is a sharp and unsettling dive into the interior life of a man who carries more turmoil than he ever shows to the world. Ika Gogoladze delivers a performance that is both explosive and deeply controlled. He commits to the character with a level of precision that makes every gesture feel charged.

The piece unfolds like a storm. The old saying "when it rains, it pours" feels engineered for this production. Minutes compress into seconds as the character ricochets between anger, reflection, and moments of surprising vulnerability. The writing offers glimpses of Georgian society and the pressures that shape a man’s inner landscape, but it never drifts into exposition. Instead, it gives Gogoladze the space to build a portrait from the inside out.

The design work elevates the experience. The lighting and sound create a convincing sense of being sealed inside an elevator, and then inside the character’s mind. The effect is claustrophobic in the most intentional way. You feel trapped with him, thinking through every jagged thought, and the realism is startling.

The show is tightly constructed, but it leaves you wanting more. When it ended, I found myself wishing for a few extra minutes inside that compressed world.

A gripping and fully realized piece of theatre.

In the Elevator

Performed on November 20 and November 22

at The 19th Annual United Solo Theatre Festival

October 14 through November 23, 2025

Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, NYC)

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Matthew is an award-winning playwright and actor! While he loves being on the stage and writing theatrical-thought-provoking-innovational plays, his passions follow him backstage as well! As a student studying business and consulting for entertainment at the School of Professional Studies, CUNY, BBA. Matthew is honored to work on this special showcase full of talent and hardworking individuals. He's selected previous theatrical experience includes Those Who Remained at La Mama E.T.C. (Producer, Props), BMCC CUNY (stage management and performance degree), The Lake (Playwright), and Earth (playwright). He is extremely grateful for the mentors and individuals, and organizations that have given him his resources and support to keep theatre alive. @matthew.d.foster