Highly Recommended ***** Many people of my generation know the term “Gaslighting”- here is the definition :Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, and sanity. (found on Wikipedia). Tonight, as I watched the story being told in the Chicago premiere of “The Father” written by Florian Zeller and translated by Christopher Hampton, this word came to mind. instantly!
“The Father” is a 90 minute, highly tense drama ( with some comical touches) that deals with a family member’s aging and his relationship with those who are in the position of tending to their needs. This is a mystery of sorts and the scenes contained within are like puzzle pieces on the table that you know must fit, but you cannot find the ones you need that makes the picture complete. There are several scenes that we watch ( or are shown to us) more than once, from a different angle. Maybe, with this other look, the pieces do fit! Playing the title character, “The Father” is Remy Bumppo’s David Darlow, who is superb ( I think Jeff nomination will be forthcoming) and as one of a certain age, makes sense. His daughter Anne is deftly played by Linda Gillum, and her job is to make sure that her “dear old dad” finds some peace in his life.
Andre (Darlow’s character) seems to have it all together. But as the scenes unfold, we see changes and through his eyes we see different things than really are taking place. Anne has a boyfriend, Piere ( brilliantly played by Anish Jethmalani), but there are times, we see a different man ( Bobby Wilhelmson). We also see a different Anne ( (Laura Resinger, who later comes back as a nurse) and there is one more character, Laura (a divine portrayal by Alys Dickerson) who is both adorable and highly controversial as his caretaker. By the way, she reminds Andre of his other daughter, who he constantly refers to as his “favorite daughter”.
As I told you, the story line is filled with some mystery and I think Hampton’s translation allows us to get the bits and pieces of the puzzle over the 90 minutes ( no intermission), so I can not tell you all that will be unveiled in this sparkling story, BUT I can advise you to pay very close attention to what you see and hear, and do not be alarmed when it seems you are seeing a second time. It will reveal some facts that will guide you to the conclusion. You may not see exactly what your neighbor sees as there are some differences in each audience members perspective and life’s experience. Jane and I agreed on much, and both of us being seniors have some memory issues of our own ( hers more than mine), but the play will leave you with a tear in your eye.
By the way, I woul be interested in knowing your opinion on if Gaslighting was involved in this story. At least in your minds!
Smoothly directed by Kay Martinovich, the 90 minutes moves quickly and we never lose sight of the story and our characters. Mainly Andre and his daughter, Anne. The set (Yu Shibagaki) is simple, yet elegant and as the story progresses, with a little change here and there, is quite flexible. The sound and original music ( Christopher Kriz) is perfect with the music having just enough haunting sound to grab you and the props ( Jamie Karas), costumes ( Jeremy W. Floyd) and lighting ( Brandon Wardell, USA) are the final touches to a beautiful and powerful production that Remy Bumppo brings to the stage at Theater One/Theater Wit, located at 1229 West Belmont thru March 3rd. ( I hope they extend, so more patrons will get tot experience what I saw tonight)
The performance schedule is as follows:
Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays 3 p.m.
Other Matinees are Saturday 2:30 (12/23) and Thursday ,2/28 at 2:30 p.m.
Assessable: Audio described with touch tour 2/23 touch tour at 1 p.m. performance at 2:30
Open Caption 2/13 at 7:30 and 2/28 at 2:30
Tickets run from $37.75-$62.75 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or at www.RemyBumppo.org
Student tickets at $15 available on day of performance with ID
Industry tickets Wednesday-Fridays at $20
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Father”.
More Stories
“Barefoot in the Park”
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”
“How I Learned What I Learned” reviewed by Julia W. Rath