This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
On a good night, David Cale senses his mother's presence in the room, or even closer. 'It does just feel like she's inside me,' he said, describing the intense emotional connection he feels when performing his latest work, 'We're Only Alive for a Short Amount of Time.'
First performed at the New Stages festival at Chicago's Goodman Theater in 2017, the show has since opened on the Goodman's main stage, where it has been running since last September. The show's artistic director, Robert Falls, was so moved by the work-in-progress version that he asked to direct it, aiming it for the Goodman's main stage.
David Cale's latest work is a deeply personal exploration of his family's past, including the murder of his mother and the subsequent trial. However, he has also allowed himself some creative liberties, inventing a love interest for his mother and a thrilling ride on the back of a motorbike. He figured his mother deserved some joy, and some good songs, too.
What's remarkable about Cale's performance is that he sings all the songs and plays all the parts. If you're new to his world, that might seem unlikely, but Cale has a unique ability to channel different characters and emotions. His collaborator, Mr. Marsh, described the experience as 'an odd séance,' and Cale didn't exactly disagree.
