Evgenia Eliseeva
Sam Kissajukian in “300 Paintings” at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge.Even as we acknowledge that manic episodes look different for every person who experiences them, Sam Kissajukian’s is exceptional: “300 Paintings” doubles as an identifier for the outcome of an episode in 2021 and the name of the show he developed about it. After an off-Broadway run, the show moved to Harvard Square’s A.R.T. for a month – which ends in a week. Armed with a PowerPoint and years of reflection, Kissajukian gives audiences insight into his mind and what he’s learned from the art he created, rejecting attempts at sympathy in the telling. “Don’t feel sorry for me; I’m here, aren’t I?” he said early on in my show. Kissajukian is uncharacteristically open in his delivery, urging audiences to not only say hello after the show but to stay connected via email. In recounting a manic retreat, “300 Paintings,” is a quirky and funny invitation to come on in.
“300 Paintings” run through Oct. 25 at the American Repertory Theater, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $73 to $117.
