Florida Studio Theatre takes a walk on the edgy side

Florida Studio Theatre began as one of Sarasota’s first alternative contemporary theaters. In the early 1980s, its edgy plays pushed the boundaries of language, sexual politics, nudity and subject matter. Thanks to cable networks like HBO, the edge moved by the end of the 1980s. Audiences weren’t easily shocked — and the shock of the new wasn’t the point anymore. 

FST’s Stage III series gets back to the company’s edgy roots. It’s overseen by Richard Hopkins, FST’s producing artistic director. Associate artist Nancy Rominger is also a driving force. She’s responsible for FST’s new play development, and will direct two of this season’s Stage III productions. 

“This series revolves around provocative content and experimental storytelling,” Rominger says. “These plays are for fearless theatergoers willing to step outside the mainstream comfort zone. When you come to a Stage III production, you know you’re going to the edge.”

'Advice'

Through Feb. 28 at Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St.. $25 and up. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Brent Askari’s “Advice” explores the comic catastrophe of the Dunning-Kruger effect, a phenomenon where a person overestimates his knowledge or ability. Gary’s got nothing but lousy advice — but he thinks it’s wise counsel.

 In his ignorant self-confidence, Gary writes a clueless self-help guide and lands a book deal from an equally clueless publisher. He’s friends with Ron and Joy, a professional couple who’ve got their lives together.

After the launch of his book, Gary plans to quit his job and become a life coach. The couple figures he’ll crash and burn and try to talk him out of it. But Gary doesn’t know good advice when he hears it. 

Their good deed is quickly punished. Secrets are revealed, and comedy ensues. Directed by Nancy Rominger, "Advice” takes a satiric jab at the self-appointed experts of the self-help industry. Along with laughs, it delivers plenty of wise, skeptical advice. 

'Bad Books'

March 7-28 at Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St. $29. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Courtesy image

Sharyn Rothstein's “Bad Books” reads between the lines of relationships, loyalty and moral compromise. The dark comedy begins when a concerned single mother visits her teenage son’s high school library. 

She discusses his reading material with the school librarian. But their reasonable dialogue quicky escalates into a war of words. As the mother is a school board member, it’s not just an academic discussion. The controversy quickly escalates — and divides the community along the battlelines of censorship, parenting, and freedom. 

Directed by Kate Alexander, "Bad Books” offers a nuanced take on America’s 21st-century culture wars. Both sides claim to be fighting for “the children.” Rothstein’s play considers the unspoken, ulterior motives behind the fight. 

'Shedding a Skin'

April 4-25 at Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St. $29. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Amanda Wilkin’s “Shedding a Skin” is a resonant, one-person play and a 2020 Verity Bargate Award-winner. It follows Myah, a young woman navigating loneliness, dead-end office jobs and her mixed ethnic heritage. 

Her transformation begins after she leaves a toxic relationship — and loses her job as well, after punching her boss in the face. Once she’s all on her own, Myah rents a room from Mildred. This elderly Jamaican woman teaches Myah about empathy, courage and self-acceptance.

As Myah’s self-discovery unfolds, it’s occasionally punctuated by moments of transcendental reverie. But Myah and Mildred’s intergenerational bond is the heart of this play. Wilkin’s play, directed by Nancy Rominger, is a testament to the power of human connection. It’s always moving, but never mawkish.