Book Review: The Pissers’ Theatre
The Pissers’ Theatre. Eckhard Gerdes, Black Scat Books, June 10, 2021, Paperback, 112 pages.
Review by Paige Doepke.
The Pissers' Theatre is delightfully unique in the best of ways. It follows two women: Karen, who lives in downtown Chicago, and Kay, in the suburbs. On the radio, one of the friends wins tickets to a local theater production titled "The Pissers' Theatre." Since the tickets were free and it's opening night, neither friend gathered any context for the production they were attending.
As it turns out, the play's title, "The Pissers' Theater," is not indicative of the play itself but of how the audience affects the play. For example, when an audience member has to go to the bathroom, they push a button and the actors immediately pause until all patrons have returned to their seats. This unusual and hilarious addition to the theater experience (which has many senior patrons) means endless intermissions.
While most of the novel is set inside the theater, during the production, the story largely focuses on where the two main character's minds go when they are left to wander. At times, Karen's mind may wander toward a magazine story she's reading to pass the time when suddenly a new version of reality takes over, and the reader doesn't quite know if we're still in Karen's mind or not. It was a very true depiction of how powerful each of our minds is when left to their own devices.
Even though Kay and Karen are annoyed by the many pauses during the play, the women attend it three separate times because they keep getting distracted, falling asleep, or otherwise not paying attention. Perhaps it's all just a good excuse for them to make plans and go out drinking together as both women are mostly on their own.
After I set this book down, I asked myself what the most remarkable part of the writing was. Eckhard Gerdes is a very talented writer, so many possible answers sprung to mind. However, his ability to write realistic dialogue is truly unmatched. The conversations between Kay and Karen are believable and honest. In fact, much of the characterization of these two characters (and other supporting characters) is built within the dialogue. Without even realizing it, I had gotten to know these two women and the things that both connected them and set them apart from one another.
The Pissers' Theatre will keep you reading with its captivating storytelling and relatable characters. While it is a light read, there are many hidden metaphors and subtle satirical points made throughout. I highly recommend Eckhard Gerdes' novel to all sophisticated readers (and theatergoers!). It would be a great vacation companion or the perfect novel to read on a rainy weekend. Just don't forget to pause for bathroom breaks...