Garbage men and women and essential workers have a tough job. We spend more time thinking about getting the trash out of our homes. We don’t consider than what it takes for it to be picked up. I honestly never even put into perspective how dangerous their jobs can be. The Garbologist is a story of 2 trash persons as they unite as the showcase the perils of working hard clashes with what they pick up that is timely for our time today.
Philadelphia Theatre Company Safety Initiative
While attending the Garbologist or any other production, you are required to show your vaccination card and ID. Please be sure to have both ready to check prior to entering. Allot a few minutes of your arrival to show them and be seated.
Tale of 2 Perspectives
Isn’t that the way life works? We all do the things that we do based on experiences. Bensalem native Ngozi Anyanwu, played as Marlowe, is a newbie. She knows all of the codes. She was top of her class. Marlowe’s desire to do things by the book is being mixed with Steven Rishard’s character Danny who is definitely considered a seasoned worker. He knows that mixing the to dos with the real on the job training is something he has perfected. Both of them have some underlying life issues and as they progress on their route it becomes more apparent that although they are differences there’s always something that can unite us.
Production Team
The Production team definitely did an outstanding job. The set is so real and I loved it. Having the audience sit where we can see both actors picking up the trash in real time was helpful. Seeing the fluids and needles and all other items that Garbage and essential workers deal more real. I hope every patron thinks differently about their trash disposal. In Philadelphia thanks to the efforts of those such as Terrill Haigler also known on Instagram as @_yafavtrashman has been highlighting the need for more PPE and safety initiatives for the workers. Terrill has highlighted the rodents and other sharp objects that the city workers have had to work through. The production team got it right with this depiction.
Comedic Timing
Although the production has a lot of fun and hilarious moments, there are a lot of issues that you will face. I wont spoil the end, but be prepared to have fun and think. This is a think peace on seeing others as yourself. When you are being faced with controversy the ones who make it through are those who are filled with empathy and understanding.
Opening Night
I also have to shout out the staff of the Philadelphia Theatre Company at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre who were hands down the most welcoming. Being that we all who love theatre have been missing it so, the staff made everyone feel welcomed. I also enjoyed beautifully colored trash bins that were done by Alloyius McIlwaine. They were definitely eye catching and beautifully done.
I applaud the efforts of Lindsay Joelle. She met with many sanitation workers to get their input on the perils of their job. I love that she was willing to have the conversations around their hard working jobs. Amazing job from Lindsay and the director, Estefania Fadul. The Philadelphia Theatre Company is located at 480 South Broad Street. Make sure you watch this production as it ends on December 5th, 2021. Tickets are on sale now.
Special thank you to the Philadelphia Theatre Company and Aversa PR for the invite. The Garbologist is a must see!
