Six Characters in Search of a Play

Six Characters in Search of a Play is an unprecedentedly unique and creative fusion of cinema, theater, and autobiography, which successfully sheds light on a truly charismatic artist - Del Shores. Released in 2019, the film, directed by Emerson Collins, documents Del Shores' one-man play, which is both energetic and chaotic, comic yet touching, presenting a smorgasbord of colorful, endearing, and eccentric characters from the southern part of the United States.

The title "Six Characters in Search of a Play" is derived from Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello’s work, "Six Characters in Search of an Author." Del Shores cleverly weaves embarrassment, tragedy, pain, and comedy to give life to his collection of six characters, all desperate to be heard, to be seen, to communicate, to entertain, and to leave the audience with a lingering sense of them, just as Pirandello's characters yearned for existence.

The one-man show presents Shores in all his allegorical brilliance, using nothing more than a minimalist stage set, a chair, and his inherently whimsical, dramatic presence. As a solo performer, Shores swaps through a range of entirely different personalities, pitch-perfect southern accents, physicality, style and appearance simply by transforming his voice, gesture, and expressions. It feels as though Shores has invited this ensemble of six different characters and given them all his physical form to live. It's a raw, real-time performance that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

The most striking factor of Six Characters in Search of a Play is that although it might initially appear as a tale of fictional characters, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that each character springs from the depths of Shores' real-life experiences. They are the culmination of his observations collected over the years from the people he crossed paths with, transformed into rich, vibrant, larger than life personalities.

One of the standout characters is Del's Aunt Bobby Sue, a prudish southern woman who, despite her personal disapproval of anything beyond her narrow world view, still supports her nephew Del. Aunt Bobby Sue's depiction is a testament to Shores' ability to seamlessly blend amusement and sentiment into his characters, making them believable and relatable.

The characters are far from cliche; Yvonne, a vegan dog lover, Sarah, an elderly African American woman, and Marsha, an overly opinionated Trump supporter all add variety to the line-up. They are multifaceted, complex, and each has their story, reflecting the underlying social and political currents in their contours, adding depth, tension, and humor to the narrative.

Moreover, the film works not only as a uniquely entertaining collection of stories, but it also exemplifies Shores' life journey. Through the characters, we experience times of joy and heartache, success and downfall, courage and fear. It offers a sense of closeness to the playwright himself, an intimate look into his life that is as personal as it is public, a narrative filled with laughter, tears, and an array of emotions that defines the human experience.

Despite the witty and charismatic charm of Shores' monologues, the film also communicates profound messages about acceptance, diversity, empathy, and courage, subtly reminding us that art often imitates life. Each of these characters carries pieces of Shores' experiences and reflections about the world around him, thereby painting a comprehensive picture of Shores' personal and professional journey.

In "Six Characters in Search of a Play," Del Shores, with his quirky humour and imaginative narrative, successfully creates an engaging cinematic autobahn where theater, film, and true stories merge into one. Despite its simple premise, it's a melodramic roller coaster ride that leaves us contemplating the fascinating diversity of human personalities, the power of storytelling, and the magical alchemy of art. The stories told by Shores and his unforgettable characters are sure to linger in your mind long after the play has ended.

In a nutshell, "Six Characters in Search of a Play" is a theatrical experience unlike any other, filled with laughter, emotion, and admirable performances, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey through the essence of humanity. Not only does it showcase Shores' unparalleled mastery of storytelling, but it also beautifully captures the sweetness, bitterness, and complexity of life through the unique perspectives of each quirky, charming, and memorable character. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys good storytelling and brilliant performances.