Object Lesson, a unique theatrical experience, subverts the traditional bible school narrative and gives it an antihero twist. This one-woman show, written and performed by Brea Glosson, is part of the United Solo 2024 Spring Festival.
Object Lesson is a personal journey for Brea Glosson, who was raised on the principles taught in a homeschool Evangelical Christian Group. The play is a reflection of the morals and lessons she grappled with upon leaving, making it a poignant and relatable piece.
Glosson’s piece is divided into chapters that begin with Evangelical Christian lessons. By preaching to the audience the lessons she learned, Glosson sets the stage for her subsequent breakdowns. She holds up a paper heart, then tears off pieces representing the parts of her heart lost when she gives herself to boys. She offers the audience a fresh piece of gum, likening it to her purity, then chews it up and offers it again (unsurprisingly, nobody wanted it). “See? Nobody wants to touch what has been made impure”, Glosson patronizingly preaches. These object lessons were standout moments as Glosson navigated growing into adulthood. The themes explored of obedience, gender roles, lack of autonomy, and doubt required a lot of Glosson, and she showed nuance in the way she grappled with grace.
The show is set in an abortion clinic, and as time passes in the waiting room, a female voiceover is used to speak chapter titles and quotes from family. It offered a welcome switch in delivering information. Still, its tone often fell too close in line with Glosson’s performance, leaving the show a little one-note. The show felt in want of a commanding presence outside of Glosson herself but maybe the echo chamber feeling of it all was intentional.
Object Lesson is a glimpse into living under the thumb of a higher power and the ways that warps your mind. With direction by Rachel Sabo-Hedges, it transcends the world of Evangelicalism and becomes relatable on a larger scale- anyone with people-pleasing tendencies and the itch to ask questions will see parts of themselves in Glosson’s performance.
You have to be carefully taught, and Object Lesson offers ample opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the ability to learn some new ones.
"Object Lesson"
Written and Performed by Brea Glosson
Directed by Rachel Sabo-Hedges
April 7, 2024
The 16th United Solo Festival
March 4 – April 28, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
Jaycie Buben is a fast-paced brain in an unhurried body. They are the wearer of many hats- Writer, Actor, Singer, Creator, beanie, baseball cap, etc. After completing their BFA in Acting at Shenandoah Conservatory, Jaycie moved to New York to explore and expand their creative passions. Some of their favorite credits include assistant directing Macbeth (The Tank), playing the titular role in Ajax (Hypnos Theatre and Performance), and writing poetry/essays/genre-defying mind blips (Jaycie’s bedroom). Jaycie’s creative work is inspired and driven by exploring the nuanced relationship between opposing forces. Jayciebuben.com