Broken Bone Bathtub
About the show
Solo artist Siobhan O'Loughlin returns to NYC with an immersive theater experience that explores themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. More…
'Broken Bone Bathtub' is an interactive work that takes place in an actual bathtub. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help and shares her story. The audience takes on the role of her close friends, not only listening but sharing their own experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath. Must be age 21 or older to attend. One-drink minimum required.
"O’Loughlin is a gifted raconteur, her warm, conversational banter as disarming as it is engaging...Her non-confrontational style encourages sharing and makes 'Broken Bone Bathtub' as much our story as it is hers...I cannot think of a single person who could not relate to the piece on some level. More importantly, its challenge to directly interact with this humanity reminds us that we are not alone in our joy or suffering, and more capable of making a difference than we may realize." Full Review
"As with all immersive work, the experience is fluid. Theater is a living art form to begin with, but when you add intensive audience participation and change venues nightly, the experience is even more changeable...Ultimately it's O'Loughlin's open and compassionate heart that gives meaning to 'Broken Bone Bathtub' and inspires others to share freely about their own struggles...'Broken Bone Bathtub' is brave, funny, and surprisingly uplifting." Full Review
"The messages of good shows land with people when the artist asks one profound question, and not 20. What makes this show great is that O'Loughlin is in no hurry to push us toward an answer, but seems sure enough of herself to let each performance yield its own conclusions...O'Loughlin is paying it forward to honor her support system who rallied in her time of need and granting us, in our ever-closing windows of direct contact, to remember how to be there for the sake of another person." Full Review
"If it sounds voyeuristic, or gimmicky, it’s O’Loughlin’s approachability as a storyteller and a listener that makes 'Broken Bone Bathtub' both compelling theater and a cathartic group experience...That dynamic of openness and sharing causes every performance to be unique...The ending isn’t exactly a twist, but it is emotionally intimate; sometimes the things we ask of our friends aren’t necessarily what we need, they’re what will keep us connected to them." Full Review
"A rare and intimate treat...By opening herself up first, she had created a safe space in which we could all be honest...Good theater often feels like a mirror being held up to one’s own life...This was good theater. O’Loughlin didn’t make you wait until you were walking to the subway to reflect upon the show and its themes; she asked you to do so as you went along. Each story she shared was an opportunity for self-reflection." Full Review
for a previous production "In perhaps the most clear-cut and brilliant case of form mirroring content I’ve ever seen, this show is specifically designed to forge connection between the room of six-ish audience members and Siobhan…'Broken Bone Bathtub' is not simply a solo show. It’s an experience, an event, and a little bit of group therapy…Her story is so full of isolation…And yet, in that room, we were all so utterly bonded. This was one of the most special solo shows I’ve ever seen, and I won’t soon forget it." Full Review
for a previous production "Towards the end of the piece, you could really sense that there was a change in the room...I would recommend going to watch Siobhan’s play simply because it evokes what most of us are afraid of revealing to others, what we are insecure about, wanting to ask for help when we really need it... She not only wrote a cracking play, but made discoveries about herself as well." Full Review
for a previous production "'Broken Bone Bathtub' is what’s becoming known as an immersive theater experience...O’Loughlin wasn’t just aiming for novelty with 'Broken Bone,' though she admits that was part of its appeal...The vibe is relaxed if a little uncertain...As intended, unscripted moments lent this show its own comic flavor." Full Review
See it if You enjoy true, poignant theatre and thought-provoking dialogue.
Don't see it if You don't like baths.
See it if You love immersive theatre. An intimate show between actor and audience member in a private setting. Brave, moving, fresh.
Don't see it if You prefer traditional theater and need to know your seat number.
Also Siobhan tells this story in a bathtub which enhances the vulnerable st... Read more Read less
See it if You've ever looked at a stranger across the subway platform and contemplated the unknowable mystery of their lives. (Best date show. Ever.)
Don't see it if You're not into new friends, new experiences, or compassion. Also, if you're super claustrophobic.
See it if You enjoy soul searching and connecting with others. Siobhan is a masterful storyteller and truly engages her audience.
Don't see it if If you don't have an open mind and immersive performances aren't your thing.
See it if you want to experience a moving evening in a very unconventional setting.
Don't see it if you are a prude. Or have issues with cramped spaces. Or steam.
See it if you want something incredibly intimate, you want to feel connected to the performance and the performer
Don't see it if you get uncomfortable sitting in a bathroom for a long time, you want a spectacle
See it if You like a real, raw performance in unusual setting. Siobahn is a great storyteller and knows how to engage the audience, A fab experience!
Don't see it if You don't like the company of others or are not willing to share. If you are not open to new experiences or need a traditional "show."
See it if You want to experience raw, fascinating and deeply personal Performance art in an intimate setting. You'll be guided on a brilliant journey.
Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with intimacy among strangers, but I sincerely hope you'll try to push through the discomfort.
See it if you like immersive, very VERY up close and personal theater.
Don't see it if you don't like audience participation, small spaces, stories about youthful angst or perching on a toilet or a tiny stool for an hour or so.
Also Siobhan is very talented and this is a singularly unique experience. S... Read more Read less
See it if You're looking for the next level of intimacy in your performances, or if you want to feel truly seen by someone.
Don't see it if You're claustrophobic, uncomfortable being in close proximity to nudity, or uncomfortable divulging a few of your secrets in front of others
See it if You like speaking with strangers
Don't see it if You don't want to interact
See it if You're looking for an interesting new experience and want to connect with others
Don't see it if You don't like immersive theatre
See it if you like nontraditional theatre, you love storytelling, you're looking to be moved and experience something thought provoking and new
Don't see it if you aren't prepared to participate or get nervous interacting with strangers or if you have clausterphobia
See it if you are open to a uniquely new experience, by someone who dares to reveal herself on an emotional level in an unusual, intimate environment.
Don't see it if uncomfortable with sharing any emotions or uncomfortable with someone who is able to look you in the eye and be open and "real".
Also My son and daughter-in-law (both of whom are mental health professiona... Read more Read less
See it if ...you have a high tolerance for weird.
Don't see it if ...you don't like interactive theater or being slightly uncomfortable.
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