Marshall Experimental Company presents a Jackie O story in OK

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

More than 50 years ago in Dallas, President John F. Kennedy, “JFK”,” was murdered as the world watched in horror. It was a major defining moment in history. JFK lay bleeding in Jackie Kenney’s arms in the back seat of that Lincoln convertible. His blood all over her face and her pink designer outfit.

A nation mourned.

This December, The Marshall Experimental Company, will produce Jackie, a story in which we relive the moment of the assassination of JFK and the life and legend of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The play will be presented by the Marshall Experimental Company, a new theatre company to the Oklahoma City scene, founded by Artistic Director Daniel Leeman Smith.

“I picked the piece because it’s absolutely non-traditional in theatrical form,” said Smith. “Jelinek also paints a strong picture of performance of gender and power through Jackie as an international icon.”

This production is directed by Katherine Wilkinson and Daniel Leeman Smith.

The New York Times entertainment writer, Rob Weinert-Kendt said of Jackie, this will “not be a traditional bio-play about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as he described Jelenik’s first scene with three mannequins:

“Those dead men, Jack, Bobby, Telis (‘Ari’), they’ll be quite a load, so, how shall I put it, she should drag those dead ones behind her like in a tug of war. Or like a Volga boatman with his boat. Sorry, I can’t make it easier for you.”

Jackie will engage you with her uninterrupted monologue.

The Marshall Experimental Company is named in memory of Daniel’s brother, Marshall J. Smith, who passed away in 2014. Smith said, “It was a big shock losing him so suddenly and at such a young age.”

Jackie will be performed in the Contemporary Arts Theatre at 3000 General Pershing Blvd. (at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds) December 3-12. Thursday shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m.

The Marshall Experimental Company is a non-profi t theatre company founded in 2015. It is dedicated to generating bold, exciting, and innovative works of theatre in Oklahoma City and around the world.

The Gayly - 11/29/2015 @ 9:46 a.m. CST