In “The Mystery of Claywoman,” we meet a 500-million-year-old extraterrestrial who’s become a cult-like figure.
She’s a fascinating character — too bad we don’t get to see more of her.
Half film, half live action, “Claywoman” kicks off with a half-hour “found” mockumentary in which her eccentric devotees — played by an eclectic cast of boldface names — describe their near religious devotion to the mysterious figure who travels the universe searching for souls to save.
We also hear from skeptics, including the scientist who declares, “I can say with absolute certainty that no 500-million-year-old is going to heal your broken heart.”
Only when the film ends do we meet Claywoman in the flesh: a wizened hirsute figure — played by Michael Cavadias, who wrote this show. Dragging several battered suitcases on a rope, she’s trailed by her dog, Craig (Rob Roth, who directed), and is clearly the worse for wear.
“I’m going to die at the end of this lecture,” she tells us. “I’m not saying this to be dramatic.”
Her rambling narrative, delivered in a tremulous, high-pitched voice, is interrupted now and then by her dog, who sings, among other things, Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence.”
“That was a little down, Craig,” Claywoman gently observes.
And then it’s over. It seems a tease for a more fully fleshed-out piece that’s yet to be developed.
Still, the evening has an eerie comic resonance. The onstage pile of junk and the mound recall Beckett’s works, as does Claywoman herself.
Celebrity watchers will enjoy spotting cameos by Alan Cumming, Amy Poehler and Deborah Harry in the opening film. Throughout the show’s run, live introductions will be provided by John Cameron Mitchell (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters and Michael Musto, among others. Apparently, during her 500 million years, Claywoman has made some interesting friends.