Art created with passion is worthy of great admiration. We might begin by asking ourselves: what is the formula? Is there a formula when it comes to making theater? And yes, of course there is. Proof of this can be found in the countless academies dedicated to studying acting, directing, and their many parallels. But does studying the formula make me a great artist? Here lies the crossroads. There are highly trained individuals who fail to resonate with audiences, while others, self-taught or debut performers receive all the applause. This is where talent, chance, intuition, charisma, passion, and even persistence come into play. Edgar A. Poe’s Smashed Valentine lives precisely at that crossroads, where technique meets obsession and passion becomes the true driving force of the work.
Today's very intimate performance in Dumbo, Brooklyn was presented in a small and notably, new theatrical space called The RAT NYC. Created in May 2024 by the founders of the Random Access Theatre company, the space was conceived to provide an affordable venue for independent artists in this vibrant cultural capital. It is a cozy black box theater with a bar and seating for a maximum of 45 spectators.
Now we are settled, let us get to the heart of the matter. Edgar A. Poe’s Smashed Valentine is a monologue created, written, and performed by Scott Robinson that, rather than a solo show, can be described as a dark, poetic, intimate, and immersive experience. Scott is undoubtedly a remarkable performer, a highly skilled writer, and a passionate devotee of the tormented genius and his work. In this encounter, he embodies the very “master of the macabre,” Edgar Allan Poe. Through writings and fragments of classic poems such as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and Annabel Lee, among others, he provokes and captivates us within Poe’s passionate, tormented, and dark existence, where perhaps his dramatic life, and he himself as a character, become his greatest masterpiece. Scott’s knowledge, commitment, and obsession immerse us in the author’s world and leave us initiated into the journey, wanting more.
To do things well, one must be well surrounded, and here we find a strong creative team led by the talented Federica Borlenghi. Another passionate artist, a young genius with a heart of gold, she continues to surprise the New York theater scene by offering honest, fresh, and playful work that is essential for the new generation of stage directors in the city. The team also includes Isa Criado, who serves as stage manager, associate director, and technical operator; a lighting design perfectly suited to the space and the story by Jacqueline Scaletta; and an exquisite sound design by Stephanie L. Carlin. This remarkable group of talents is further enriched by Samantha Tutasi, Jevyn Nelms, Dale Stuckenbruck, Kate O’Connell, Rosie Glen-Lambert, Amanda Stone, and Arielle Beth Klein, under the production of Sam Hood Adrain.
It was a house full of a curious and expectant audience who found themselves surprised in the lobby by Edgar Allan Poe himself, who confronted and welcomed us into his space, his life, his history, and his thoughts. Here, the promise of a piercing scream is fulfilled, and darkness gives way to unease, disturbing our very existence.
Today marks the closing of its first season, but we will continue to follow this production closely, as it promises to offer so much more.
Tickets available at: https://www.theratnyc.com/event-details/edgar-a-poes-smashed-valentine-2026-02-08-17-00
More information at: https://instagram.com/rfinyc