Swimming to Martha’s Vineyard

Spalding Gray was a brilliant monologist. He walked onstage, sat down at an empty desk, except for a glass of water, and proceeded to mesmerize the audience. He did not need props, a backdrop, nor bells and whistles of any kind. His subject was his own life, weaving autobiography with an emotional terrain of depth and complexity.

Describing his performances, Eric Bogosian said, “It took courage to do what Spalding did, courage to make theatre so naked and unadorned, to expose himself in this way and to fight his demons in public.”

Sadly, his life was cut short. In March 2004 his body was pulled out of the East River off New York city. It was theorized that he had taken his own life by jumping off the Staten Island Ferry.

Spalding Gray was a frequent visitor to the Vineyard and performed numerous shows at the Vineyard Playhouse. On Monday, August 29 at 7 p.m. the playhouse honors his memory with a screening of the film, And Everything Is Going to Be Fine, directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film uses edited clips from Mr. Gray’s life and work, including performances and home movies. Mr. Soderbergh has said that he wanted the documentary to tell Mr. Gray’s life story as if it were his last monologue. In other words, the movie is an opportunity to welcome back to our shores Mr. Gray’s unique persona, style and heart.

Showtime is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door.

For more details, call 508-696-6300 or visit vineyardplayhouse.org.