Poison Delivered in Four Drops

On Thursday May 16th, the student theatrical club of East Stroudsburg University of PA (ESU) known as Stage II and Shivering Fish Productions presented it’s first public showing of the film titled, “Four Drops Of Poison” in the Dale Snow Theatre located within the campus’ Fine Arts Building. The film contains a series of vignettes exploring the underground aspects of society. The film was written and directed by ESU alumni Albert Shivers and the screening included a “Talk Back” session in which the modest sized audience who attended event would have the opportunity learn more about the film and the creative processes it employed from the cast and director.

The first vignette was titled, “Poison Ivy” and dealt with prostitution aalong with the effects it has upon the women who participate in the profession. It starred Leanna Hines and featured Mary Dennis, Aaquilah Lewis, Brandon Cabrera, and William Heckler. The vignette began with a montage sequence depicting the seedier and dark side of prostitution.

The vignette continued with a conversation between two prostitutes sharing the woes of their profession. Unfortunately, I found the dialogue to be too well structured to be natural and this reminder that the words spoken were written down beforehand took away the believability of the characters and their experiences as portrayed in the film. This also diminished the thematic impact of the vignette making it resemble an unsuccessful hybrid of a Pam Grier Black Exploitation film and an ABC After School Special.

The second vignette was titled, “The Blister Sisters” which chronicled in documentary style the lives of two step sisters living in upstate NY. The sisters were played by (I believe) Stephanie Carifi and Ashley Dunbar. This portion of Four Drops Of Poison proved to be the best of the vignettes as the dialogue and monologues flowed naturally from the two principle characters as well as the other actors appearing on film. This made the words they uttered and the stories they told captivating and poignant.

The third vignette was titled, “Snot-Grove” which was a dark comedy exploring the lives of a couple consisting of a young Jewish woman as portrayed by Ellyse Burnett and an African American man as portrayed by Gabryal Rabinowitz and their mutual love for cocaine. The film also featured an on screen debut of Bernie Driller as the woman’s father. The beginning of the film succeeded in capturing the attention of the audience through the one sided dialogue Ms. Burnette had with a paper bag. However, the dialogue which ensued between her and the other characters (like in the first vignette) seemed too scripted to be believed as natural. Still, it had its funny moments and was somewhat enjoyable to view.

The final vignette was titled, “Li Ouanga” and presented a love story centered around a cult or tribe who practice human sacrifice and cannibalism. It starred Anissa Smith and featured Gillian Nichole and Andrew Confiar. The story evolved around the love between a male member of the tribe and it’s priestess queen who becomes impregnated by her lover. Following the example of the Praying Mantis, the lover is sacrificed in order to be eaten. Although she carries out the ritual, her love for him lingers after his demise.

The dialogue in this portion of “Four Drops Of Poison” also felt scripted but, given the fact much of it pertained to the ritualistic ceremonies of the cult or tribe, the words spoken could be considered a bit more natural than the first and third segments of the film. Also, although some of narrative in this vignette may be considered a bit convoluted, it does have it’s touching aspects which makes it worthwhile viewing.

In fact, in spite of the flaws I found in the dialogue mentioned in many of the film’s vignettes, the film is worth seeing as it is an early creative attempt by some very talented individuals to explore the art of filmmaking. It is hoped these individuals will continue making films and grow in their experiences. I, personally, look forward to viewing Stage II and Shivering Fish Productions’ next collaborative endeavors. The running time if the film “Four Drops of Poison” is 78 minutes.

After the screening of “Four Drops of Poison” concluded, a “Talk Back” session took place in which the audience could share their thoughts and questions regarding the film. Many avenues of inquiry were explored as revelations such as how the filming of the “Poison Ivy” section of the film had to be done clandestinely as the ESU campus police were very suspicious of the legality of their actions. You’ll find more Photographs taken during the screening of “Four Drops of Poison” and the “Talk Back” Session that followed in the ESU 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151583225905421.1073741826.636000420&type=1.

Shivering Fish Productions is a production company which began on February 16th, 2010. The company constantly seeks to explore new creative avenues yet undiscovered in the performing arts which include Cinema, Theatre, and Music. You can learn more about Shivering Fish Productions, the film “Four Drops of Poison,” and all they have to offer the creative community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/shiveringfishproductions.

Stage II is a student theatre organization found on the campus of the East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA. The organization presents a number of productions to be enjoyed by the campus and surrounding communities including their student directed productions of one act plays. All students of ESU who have an interest in the art of theatre are welcomed to join regardless of their selected major. You can learn more about Stage II, it’s contributions the ESU theatrical community, and all it has to offer theatre lovers in general by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/ESU-Stage-II/219702471419778?fref=ts.