I’ve watched Steve Swift’s Sister Myotis character evolve for the better part of a decade now. I’ve seen Sister preach her gospel in a variety of public settings and have also observed as Swift labored over his creation in a semi-private writing workshop with Tongue of a Bird playwright Ellen McLaughlin. But familiarity doesn’t always foster understanding. Sometimes a change in scenery is necessary in order to fully appreciate an artist and his or her work.
Myotis is clearly a mighty, mighty warrior for the Lord but Swift’s character never actually quotes scripture or mentions Jesus by name. I’ve noted all of this in previous reviews but for some reason the choice really stood out in the New York performance. Over a snack at the Chelsea Street Market the man behind the wig and the corsage and miles and the miles of matronly bosom explained why he does what he does: He makes fun of church politics not religion.
