My husband’s addiction drove a freight train through my world.
Is one of the many memorable quotes from Scot Augustson’s Arson of Crows, now playing at 18th and Union, which was undoubtedly THE most moving piece of theatre I have ever seen; also the most profoundly funny and the most comically profound. It illustrated the concept that comedy is tragedy plus time.
Scot Auguston is a playwright usually seen at 18th as one-third of the storytelling trio of Animal Saints and Sinners, where he has entertained us for years; however an Arson of Crows not only entertained us, but offered words of wisdom and hope, as Augustson recounted the agonizing tale of his addicted first husband’s struggle with addition,
However, the show was not one of the “war stories” about the nightmare of addiction, but about the recovery of the addict’s partner, as he learns to detach, move on while eventually reaching acceptance and peace, all with the help of making quilts.
If this sounds like Al-anon 101, it was not. It was not a pity party, rather it was told with incredible wit, humor and sheer verbal brilliance accompanied by a delivery which offered an oversized helping of superb comic timing, served up with extra toppings of love, wisdom and existential truth, while he exposed his vulnerabilities as just another “Mensch” trying to get through this thing we call life.
In my opinion Scot Augustson should be paraded on a unicorn through every city, small town in the US, and showered with rose petal graffiti to honor Arson of Crows.
All over the internet, in every country, the pundits are talking about the epidemic of loneliness brought on by the lack of community. After leaving Arson of Crows, I felt very connected to the rest of humanity because Auguston articulated universal challenges.
This show is a must see, and should probably be extended beyond the two remaining performances.
Arson of Crows, by Scot Auguston. 18th and Union. 1406 -18th Ave. Central District Seattle 98122. Fri. Sat. 7:30. pmMay 19 and 20. N.B. The website says tickets are sold out, but recommends turning up at the box office for no-shows. Or check the website:
Tickets: https://v6.click4tix.com/tickets.php?type=general-admission&c=5271&e=431611&d=10038478
Plenty of off-street Parking. Bus 48 down 23rd Ave, Sound Transit: Capitol Hill Stop, walk or take the #8 Bus.