Dramashop's Incognito

Nicole Lossie

Nora Schillinger is one of four actors playing a combined 21 characters spanning three different, interconnected stories. The brain is the grey subject matter in all of the stories.

Premiering Friday, Feb. 3

If you have ever wondered what happened to Einstein's brain after he died, what happens if part of our brain goes missing, or how it is to be in a relationship with brains at the focus, this is the show for you. As one of the character's says, "The brain is a storytelling machine, desperate to glean meaning." Incognito, written by Nick Payne, the acclaimed writer of the sold-out Broadway sensation Constellations, premieres on the Dramashop mainstage this February.

Four actors play a combined 21 characters within Incognito's three interwoven stories. A pathologist steals the brain of Albert Einstein, a neuropsychologist embarks on her first romance with another woman, and a seizure patient forgets everything except how much he loves his girlfriend. Incognito braids these mysterious stories into one show that asks whether memory and identity are nothing but illusions.

This production marks Zach Hoffman's directorial debut for the Dramashop mainstage. He describes the show as "the perfect storm of talent in all areas." The show is double cast with both returning Dramashop performers and new performers like Roland Robinson and Chris Smith. Some veteran cast members include: Britney Shaw (Everybody), Maeve Kirby (Eurydice), Howard Lang (Crumple Zone), and Kara Headley (Dramashop Shorts Festival), along with performers who have not been seen on the Dramashop stage in a while like Nora Schillinger (Natural Shocks) and JJ Theisien (King Charles III).

"This show for the performers is truly a magic act," said Hoffman. "They are switching between characters very quickly and are fully committed to bringing the magic to the audience. This show is also double cast. We had so many wonderful performers that it just felt like the right move. Each performer brings a very different version of the character than the person with whom they double."

Dramashop aims to produce works that challenge the audience and promote discussion long after the night is over. "This production is thought-provoking, smart, witty, alluring, and magical," said Hoffman.

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 19 // Tickets are half price opening weekend // 1001 State Street, Suite 210 // For tickets and more information visit: dramashop.org