Warhol: Bullet Karma is good, solid, one-man storytelling.
Garry Roost embodies the idea of Andy Warhol (was he really a person?) through a well structured story consisting of profound vignettes from the famous artist’s life.
The key focus of the story is Valerie Solonas’ attempt to murder Warhol in a shooting in 1968.
The radical feminist was convinced Warhol was conspiring with another publisher to steal her work, and the shooting incident was her revenge.
Retelling this event, allows Roost to splash other colours and elements into the kaleidoscopic character that we remember today for Campbells Soup cans and the 15 minutes of fame quip, among other things.
We get glimpses into Warhols drive and doubts and his portrait is developed by observations made by contemporaries.
This is enthralling stuff and I found myself often leaning forward in my seat.
Just note that this is not a play to slouch through. Arrive alert and be prepared to engage yourself in the wonderful craft about to be performed.
If you like theatre in a literary key, you’ll enjoy Roost’s 60 minutes of fame!