A Work in Progress

 A People

Avi Hoffman, the talented director of A PEOPLE, a theatrical work written by LM Feldman, says that for him this “mosaic is less a play and more a living conversation across generations, languages and lands.” That statement might prepare the audience somewhat for the performance piece they’re about to experience…but not entirely. This presentation of short scenes, stories, songs, passages told partly in Yiddish, and using a couple puppets and masks, is much more confusing than it is enlightening. Mr. Hoffman concludes his introduction to A PEOPLE by saying his hope is “that you leave the theatre feeling not that you have seen a play about Jews, but that you have been invited into a communal act of remembrance and imagination…” I agree that leavingTheater Wit, there was no  satisfaction of seeing a fully fleshed-out, polished production. The “communal act” that the audience experiences is more like being given a peak at a work in progress.

Eight actors of varying ages and different genders make up the cast. Some of the performers are stronger than others, making the show feel especially uneven. Zach Kunde does a great job in a variety of roles; Haley Schenk makes her auspicious Chicago debut, often playing an embodiment of the rebellious young man or woman. Another talented newcomer to Chicago, Charity Schultz presents a powerful first impression portraying a number of very different characters; and Douglas Levin brings gravity and dimension to the various roles he plays. The other performers had their moments, some profound and some perplexing. They include Xavier Mattison, Daniel Boughton, Jin Ai and, in particular, Freya Churchwell. Ms. Churchwell carried what appeared to be the Torah, but the entire script was taped inside, from which she read her lines. I’m not sure if Freya joined the cast at the last minute, and didn’t have time to memorize her dialogue…or if she just never mastered her roles. But, sadly, Ms. Churchwell’s performance was flat, in comparison to the other actors.

There’s simply far too many ideas included in A PEOPLE. At times, LM Feldman’s script seems brilliant, inspired and laser focused. Then the presentation suddenly becomes an exercise in frustration for the audience. A story or a scene grabs the theatergoer with its passion and power. But then, without any warning, the production suddenly switches gears and turns into a muddy mess. In scene after scene it becomes increasingly confusing where we’re headed next. The performance continually turns into something new, and a hodge-podge, rather than enlightenment, becomes the name of the game. Once again, this 80-minute one-act production, with its lack of structure and focus, comes off far more as a work in progress than a finished piece of art.   

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Present June 18-July 5 by YI Love Jewish and Arts Judaica at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.theaterwit.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by going to www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos by Logan and Candice Conner, Oomphotography