MO(U)RNING
nytheatre.com review by David Fuller
August 15, 2003
Mo(u)rning is a new play by
Adrian Rodriguez presented by Hudson Exploited Theater Company, Inc. (HExTC)
at the Washington Square United Methodist Church. Directed by HExTC
founder Arian Blanco, Mo(u)rning is a penetrating exploration
into the way the human mind deals with disaster, as told from the points
of view of victim, rescuer, and observer. The victims, portrayed by John
Sudol and Liche Ariza, are buried under rubble at a disaster site. Their
individual hells are exquisitely depicted by these actors whose physical
and vocal work are astonishing. The rescuers (Chip Gudger, Nixon Cesar,
and Omar Hernandez), are lost beneath the towering remains of the site,
searching for survivors. Their private torments and collective angst are
grippingly portrayed. John C. Cunningham is the observer, a solitary
figure who watches the disaster on television. His reaction, fueled by
relentless news coverage, a somewhat skewed interpretation of the Bible,
and a rather narrow belief in jingoism, becomes an epiphany of dynamic
force.Playwright Rodriguez has intertwined these three narratives so that we jump from one to another, ourselves watchers yet (thanks to the immediacy of theatre) participants as well. It is almost too much. His play makes us experience the raw humanity of catastrophe as seen from within and without, literally and figuratively. Director Blanco skillfully moves our focus through the play and cleverly utilizes the unique attributes of the church-theater location, aided by a simple yet effective set by Ashly Powell. Special mention must go to sound designer Joe DiSanzo for his clever television sound bites and his ability to startle the heck out of us.
Mo(u)rning is promoted in its press material as "not a 9/11 play." The production does embrace the obvious parallel, setting the piece in "a present day disaster site much like the one that occurred on September 11, 2001." However, Rodriguez and company tackle issues and ideas that resonate beyond that terrible day. They take us on a disquieting yet worthy journey. Through the horror reverberates the unrelenting question—WHY?
