Sledgehammer Party

By Rob Matsushita

Directed by Rob Matsushita

A contemporary domestic horror story about some very bad communication in married relationships.

Terry and Melissa Chiles are having a couple, Rosie and Allan Sackman, over to their summer cottage to stay for a working weekend. As the weekend progresses, lines are drawn, arguments are had, and by the end of the weekend, few are left unscathed--emotionally and otherwise.

"This is a show about all the things you don't say during a relationship," said Rob Matsushita, the writer-director. "I've been told that this is the most aggressive show I've ever written," he adds, "and for me, that's saying something."

What does the title mean? "It's an old tradition in companies that go out of business. When the building is destined for a date with a wrecking ball, all the employees are invited to come down for one last night, where they can bring sledgehammers, bats, saws, or anything that can break something. Then they get to take out every last aggression they've ever had on the job by wrecking as much of the place as they want. I wondered about what it would mean to bring this concept to a marriage. Sometimes, when you know that you have to leave something, you want to destroy it so that no one else can ever enjoy it again."

Sledgehammer Party contains adult language, sexual situations, nudity, extreme violent content and images of sexual assault.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at 1119 Williamson Street; Madison, WI 53703

Performances: July 29, 2005 through September 4, 2005 at 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Ticket Prices $7 at the door only (sorry, no reservations)

Call 608-244-8338 for more information.