What is your definition of great theatre? Well, I sort of thought I had a handle on mine until I saw Caryl Churchill's latest play, which the gentleman sitting beside me would argue is not.
None of the things I ordinarily look for in a new play were there -- no strong central characters whose complexity might draw me in, no large deep moral quandaries to ponder, no artful character development in the way the most skilled playwrights can do (without us noticing). And yet, somehow, weeks after having seen it, I still can't seem to get it out of my head.
Sometimes when we fail to communicate, we do so completely. Sometimes, we manage to get an idea across on one level while missing each other entirely on a deeper level. Churchill tackles a variety of angles and nuances to this perplexing riddle of human existence.
She does so with a light tough. There are laughs. In my case, each blackout was also accompanied by a heavy sigh from the guy sitting to my right, sometimes followed by a declamatory "Really?" "Please!" "Seriously?" or "More? Oh God, no."
Part of me wanted to like the play just to spite him. He was so rude.
And although there were no characters developed here and hence no through lines of intentions -- thwarted or realized, I still find my mind returning back to some of those moments.
So, if you enjoy observing the ways in which language sometimes gives us away in spite of ourselves, I'd say take a look. Tickets are discounted for the remainder of the run, which has been extended, by the way, so clearly she's onto something here.
If you do see it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Here's the link. https://www.nytw.org/loveandinformation.asp
