As we sifted through New York's off-off-Broadway shows, we stumbled upon Jake Hooker's Pot-au-Noir at the Chocolate Factory Theater. Pot-au-Noir, or The Black Hole, is a modern remix of Cain and Abel, sprinkled with 20th century Americana, and likes of Baudelaire, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Thomas Mann, Abraham Lincoln, and John Steinbeck. And though the show closed November 18, we still find it worthy of mention.
Pot-au-Noir, a variation of the Cain and Abel story, combines religion, 20th century Americana, and the Great American Myth with live music and dance to create an ancient remix. Hooker envisioned the production as John Steinbeck's idea of "a box, made out of wood" where creative works are invented and placed. Hooker and his ensemble collaborated to expand upon "the act of creating and mysteries of living."
Since we dig collaboration efforts of visual art, music and movement, we thought this piece would stand out. With sincere intention, The Black Hole attempts to exhibits the process of creation, but creates a void between the performers and audience, particularly in demonstrating the role of the single black actor as the confidant and servant. As the producer demonstrates the mysteries of creation through the use of a wooden chest, the dialogue and movement of the performers adds layers of complexity and depth.
