"We are born astride a grave - WaynesWorldStage.com

interest in me. If there was, it remained verysubtle and nothing ever came of it.The play gave a new depth to the conceptof theatre of the absurd. I played a sadistic priest.In the last act, there was a scene where I wouldtake off my priestly robes and flog a poor younggirl with a whip. I would be standing with myback to the audience, bare-chested. My body wasto be covered with tattoos. Each night a makeupartist would paint my back and arms withtattoos.This scene was the climax of the play. Itwas meant to be frightening and emotionally verydisturbing. On closing night, during this scene,the audience began to laugh. I had no idea whatthey were laughing at. The laughter grew andgrew. Now keep in mind that the audience is veryclose. I was going crazy. Why were theylaughing?It was not until after the show that Ilearned that the makeup artist had not drawntattoos on my back that night. She had written,"For a good time, call Jane, 567-6912."Needless to say, this production was of nohelp to my career. Shortly after this play, Chuckand Mary Lou were divorced. Mary Loureturned to Detroit. She told me that she had167