We're smack dab in the middle of The Dog Days of Tampa Summer. It's hot, rainy and humid outside. But this is Tampa and there are plenty of ways to keep cool inside. One way is to get "Occupied" at the Jobsite Theater.
Occupation is a political satire written by Ken Ferrigni. It originally debuted Off-Broadway in New York City at TBG Theatre and also premiered in Los Angeles at Sacred Fools. This Floridian themed production is playing at the intimate Jobsite Theatre at the Shimberg Playhouse, part of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, through August 2nd.
Imagine the year is 2017. The economy is in the tank, inflation is soaring, unemployment is at an all time high and the national debt is spiraling out of control. The United States is running out of options but there is one potential savior: China.
In order to save America from bankruptcy, the US government is forced to make a deal with the devil, or in this case, the People's Republic of China. The government sells Florida to China for $5 trillion. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, aside from "Free" Miami, Florida becomes a Chinese territory and Floridians must leave the state within 18 months or forfeit their US citizenship. As you can imagine, not every Floridian is thrilled about being "occupied". The South Florida Christian Militia is leading a war in the Everglades to overthrow the Chinese. Who will win in the end? You'll have to head down to the Jobsite Theatre and see!
Having lived in China for two years, I thoroughly enjoyed Occupation and my first trip to the Jobsite Theatre. While the play is funny, the premise is rather scary! But, the Jobsite Theatre is known for producing daring and unique productions so this is the perfect venue for this type of hip, offbeat show.
I especially loved the part of Deng Zedong, played by J. Elijah Cho. Deng is a Chinese-born, American-educated corporate capitalist who has been appointed Pro-Consul of the An Lushan (formerly known as Florida) province. Deng enjoys his job, especially the weed, womanizing and absence of his wife. He does his best "work" in his bathrobe and leaves the heavy lifting to his once American assistant Maria, now a Chinese citizen named "Mei Mei". Deng is laugh out loud funny in his interactions with the ruthlessly ambitious Mei Mei and the chemistry between this couple is spot on.
Occupation uses a variety of media including videos, news footage and a great sound track which works well in this small setting. The set consisted of rotating pyramids for scene changes. I enjoyed seeing the signage of Florida favorites like Universal Studios, the Florida Lottery and Publix written in English and Chinese. It was simple but it worked.
A couple of warnings if you're going to get Occupied: (1) prepare to laugh, a lot and (2) prepare to hear swear words, a lot. As long as you're good with both of these, you should love Occupation too.
Occupation is a wonderful way to beat the summer heat but you better hurry because it ends August 2nd! To get Occupied call (813) 229-STAR (7827) or click here.
