Richard Caliban has created something dark, disturbing, and devoid of hope in the Famine Plays. While “reality television” has become the latest thing in American entertainment, this play creates a post-apocalyptic world that could very well become a reality in this country. If America’s capitalistic and self-indulgent society were to end in nuclear holocaust, where would you stand? And how would you survive?
Under the direction of Amanda McRaven, Famine Plays tries to answer the question of how humanity would cope in a world where love and hope are defiled and dirty. The characters in the show are left with only the most base and cruel of options to survive in this harsh wasteland. After seeing how it all plays out you are left with an indelible feeling of darkness and fear that is hard to forget.
The nine-member cast seems to compete to see who can portray the most abject version of human insanity and desperation in this dystopian future and yet, their character’s stories unfold with dialogue that at some points flow beautifully like poetry, which is ironic considering the nature of the play.
The survivors exist in a world much like the one depicted in the Mad Max films. However, while oil was the main commodity being fought over in those movies, the characters in Famine Plays struggle with less tangible things like love, hope, and companionship.
The ideas of friendship and family take on new meanings as the various stories intersect. Trevor H. Olsen’s Fleet forms a symbiotic relationship with the dim-witted Stub, played by Monroe Makowsky, after his eyes are gouged out and left helpless to fend for himself. Olsen’s eerie maniacally-toned Fleet corrupts the simple-minded Stub to do the dirty work and kill for food in order for them to survive. This relationship eventually devolves as violence begets guilt and friendship turns to love.
Mandi Moss’ Runner and Julia Prud’homme’s Rosie form a rather “unique bond” of their own that might leave some theater-goers with a bad taste in their mouths. In return for guidance, new mother Rosie quells Runner’s hunger by allowing her to breast-feed. After suffering tragedy Rosie is left alone with only the runaway at her side, forcing her to maintain some semblance of “family”.
Through all the despair in Famine Plays, one must realize that it is not just an allegory for the current world we live in. This type of human suffering is not just a possibility, but actual reality for many around the globe. With our country at war, the threat of terror, and a corrupt government in disarray, this kind of future is truly not that far off.
Famine Plays - playing June 29th thru August 4th. Theatre of Note 1517 Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets $18 available online at : www.theatreofnote.com. Thursday thru Saturday at 8pm. Reservations (subject to availability): 323-856-8611. www.myspace.com/famineplays
