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Session found its way to The Kollection because I trust Reese Lasher.

Ever since we produced Playboy’s New York Fashion Week together, we've been in cahoots on what’s next and, more importantly, what’s cool. I trust her - so when she introduced me to Lily over text, I didn't take the connection lightly. “The second I met her, I knew you both should meet. I think you’ll inspire each other!” 

Lily Lady hit me off thread, straight to the point: “I’m [in New York] for this play — want to come ? I can comp u a ticket to the 11pm … No +1s because it is a tiny space.” 

The show host provided instructions to be at The Bowery Hotel by 11pm:

“do not stop in lobby. go straight to elevators and up to floor 6! dont mention the play to anyone at the hotel.”

At 10:50, I knock on the door to the hotel room. A host of sorts steps out, smiles, and tells me they’re still getting ready: “Go have a drink downstairs and we’ll be ready for you shortly.” 

On the way down, the elevator operator pokes: “Can I give you my shtick?” I nod. “All aboard the Bowery Hotel express… that is, if nobody else presses a button before we get to the bottom.” We lock eyes most of the way down and make it to the bottom without stopping. He smirks proudly: “Thank you for riding the Bowery hotel express.” 

I smoke out front looking at my phone calculating whether it will take me two or three minutes to get back upstairs. When I walk back up to the hotel room, I find Kareem from Subway Takes, a B list actor whose name escapes me, and some bubbly characters who chat about the adult film industry. The vibe is wholesome.

The hotel room is the set. Some lighting and the crowd heats up the space. There are a few seats that Petit Mort priced at an impressive $200-$1,000. I find my place next to a cute couple who gel together through flirtatious touch. It’s a bit sweaty.

When the play begins, Lily and Siena’s banter cuts the tension in the room. The friend, writer-actor duo has done this before. I eventually learn that a certain nonchalance is to be expected from them in every interaction. Having worked with theater kids, they don’t feel like the type— more artist than performer, less performative than most artists. 

The story imagines two sex-workers meeting in a hotel room for a night of business. The hour-long, three part play is funny, provocative, terrifying, and heartfelt. In one word, cathartic. The duo and supporting cast goes where others are not willing to or simply have not been, both in conversation and act. The twisted narrative broke my understanding of how art that is inherently explicit can positively contribute to one’s sense of self and the human desire to be understood.

I left thinking life is just a long winded effort to understand where each of us draws the line between pleasure and pain.

If you’re jaded or over-stimulated by industry bred pop stars and remakes, Session is the red pill and blue pill in one swallow antidote to any doubt that this generation is not capable of original creativity. The willingness on Lily and Siena’s part to go the extra mile to flip a mirror on the audience to consider who they really are is award worthy.

On my way home from the play, I stop to consider my own role and contributions to New York’s art scene. Presenting this to a broader audience immediately stood out as an opportunity to empower one of the most important acts I had witnessed to date. With The Kollection’s mission being to create spaces and showcase performances that create an even playing field for all attendees— no matter who they are out of the room— we are beyond excited to present SESSION in the round at Love’s Club on Aug. 29 and 30.

While entertaining, educational, and inspiring, the play deals with unsimulated acts of intimacy and violence that may be triggering to some. I ask that you only come to the play should you be comfortable with adult themes and intense moments on stage. For those who do come, you are in for a once in a lifetime experience that will surely leave a lasting impression on you and mark one of those New York nights that is unforgettable.

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