Coming Clean is an emotional odyssey that blends the mundane and the metaphysical and thereby invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of love, loss, and the healing power of human connection.  Join us for an extraordinary experience that will leave you reflecting on the power of change and the courage it takes to rebuild one’s life.  Cleaning in Shapiro’s play literally and figuratively means transformation by removing what is no longer needed or wanted, and making space for new things to come.

 

At the core of our production is the haunting vision of the American Dream disintegrating into dust.  As we are interpreting Steven Shapiro’s story, David Brown III was born in India, but he came to America to be educated at Columbia University, graduating with an M.B.A.  With his beautiful wife, big executive salary, and gorgeous suburban house he was clearly living the highly sought after American Dream until something happened.  The American Dream for David evaporated, leaving him nothing but dust and disappointment.  Into his morose life comes Angela, a transwoman cleaning lady.  Angela as we are interpreting her was also born in India and it important to note that many Indians believe that transgender people have supernatural powers.  Transpeople in India have been part of the cultural fabric for centuries often revered in ancient texts and traditions such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.  For David the American Dream is now a mirage fading into dust.  Will Angela with her supposed supernatural powers be able to help?

​

Angela is no ordinary cleaner; not only is she a transwoman with supernatural powers, she is a force of nature – earthy, crude, and confrontational.  As she takes on the task of cleaning David's office, she also sets out to clean the cobwebs of despair clouding his heart and soul. What unfolds is a journey that transcends the mundane, delving into the realms of metaphysics and self-discovery.

​

At the end of the 60-minute film, we will have a talkback session.  We are very excited to have Steven Shapiro, the playwright, join us during our talkback.  Feel free to ask Steve, or any of us questions, suggest topics for discussion,  or give comments about the work.