The Qualms - Steppenwolf, Chicago, IL. 23 July 2014
23 July 2014
Tonight we were fortunate to see a performance by this iconic theatre company - Steppenwolf Theatre Company in their beautiful home base in Chicago.
"The Qualms" is by Steppenwolf Ensemble Member, Bruce Norris and is a three act play in one uninterrupted sequence. No interval disturbs the three very clear acts within this dramatic comedy brilliantly directed by Pam MacKinnon. She allows these actors to bring to life some moral dilemnas about relationships, sexuality and respect.
This play touches on many topics related to monogamy and polygamy. There are branches related to porn, homosexuality, and prostitution. They provide stimuli for us to ponder. The thought provoking questions are more relevant than the answers.
The Melbourne Theatre Company should be chaffing at the bit for this play as it suits their data base and will encourage newcomers due to its voyeuristic nature. I do not want to give too much away as the sex is central to this story, but it is more about the politics of sex. I can see much "tut tutting" by some of the MTC audiences. But secretly I can also see their fantasies fulfilled.
The play is about a "Swinger" party. The rules were read out etc and it was obvious that this is a regular event for many attendees. But not tonight! The drama unfolds.
These are adults playing supposedly adult themed games. These are adults with their big toys and exotic games. How is it any different to children role playing doctors and nurses etc? A loss of innocence or the knowledge that the games are no longer innocent? Many questions are posed and not resolved. This does not bother me, as it allows us to question ourselves and what is repsect for self and others.
What I especially loved about this opening five seconds was that the drama was evident in the opening pose. There was so much history and atmosphere created by these skilled actors to welcome us into their "sordid" journey for the evening.
We are the voyeurs! Our fantasies can now be tickled. It was interesting to see the audience's reaction to the play. Some of the audience members would mimic the actions of the actors by "protecting" their partner by surrounding them with their arms. It was interesting to hear and see the audience's reaction as some of the jokes and drama were very revealing. Steppenwolf also provided a wall for feedback and post-it-notes comments. This created a great opportunity for audience members to provide their insights into the play's messages and themes.
I was shocked at the lack of swearing and the restraint of the use of the "F" word. Its absence made it more effective, relevant and enticing. The lack of discussion about detailed sexual acts also made it more voyeuristic. This really spurred our curiosity.
The section about the Democrats and Republicans is a two sided reflection. I think some people think it is very "Democrat" behaviour, and the more liberal and free thinking are more willing to be "swingers". I loved how some characters moved away from the Republican lepers. Yes they showed us an example of a democracy at work, but even more so I liked this moment as it really showed about the lack of respect for both sides of politics and also sexual politics.
The statistics section and the look into the audience was where the fourth wall was really broken and was a moment for seduction by the cast. It was a great reality check for people to be given a shake up about their either bigoted or free spirited natures. This section reminded me of "Bison" where the actors were looking at the audience seductively as if in a gay beat and creating a personal bond with the audience.
What I loved was watching the actors listen. Really listen to each other. They did real actions. They were these characters and their objectives were clear about what they wanted to do in their action sequences. Stillness was an action that had so much movement. For example the realisation of a rejection was palpable. The twists and turns by Regine played by Karen Aldridge created another level of drama that showed a real tenderness and heart. As did the journey of Deb (a Ruben-esque lady) played with sincerity by Kirsten Fitzgerald.
Gary the host played by Keith Kupferer in a care free manner. This was his house and his domain that he was happy to share. His partner Teri played by Kate Arrington had a hippy quality that reminded me should could be straight out of "Hair". I loved how she kept the drug induced effects in her performance. I did feel this was one aspect that the other actors may have used as well as by Teri towards the end of the play.
Diane Davis played Kristy, the wife of Chris played by Greg Stuhr. This couple have their issues and these fine actors showed us their history from the first five seconds sitting uncomfortably centred on the couch. Their relationship is central to the story. The revelations about their attitudes creates tension and allows more drama and comedic opportunities.
Their journey is a drama within this dramatic comedy or comedic drama. I call it a modern tragi-comedy. The tragedy is people not realising their potential in life. This play is more than about the threesomes, foursomes, partner swapping scenarios. Verbatim or oral sexium!
The questions of relationships, morals, choices, values and lifestyles is paramount to this play. But the essence to me is about our own life and taking control of what makes us happy. We cannot project our happiness on others. Control is central to this play and the control shifts between different characters at various points. This control can be within the individual couples or within the core eight characters.
The tall, handsome athletic black man, Ken was played with sensitivity and strength by Paul Oakley Stovall. Do watch the kitchen scene closely. Some MTC audience members will require an explanation. I can hear the titters now!
Roger played by David Pasquesi was your equivalent to a classic Aussie stirrer. He at times was a black cloud with his confident and laid back confrontations. He obviously knows how to wind some people up. His character was articulate and self assured.
Owasis Ahmed played the Delivery Boy. I thought he was going to be a pizza boy (as he is credited as the deliver boy in the programme). His very short scene is terrific in creating a "Michael Chekhov" atmosphere of disquiet.
Speaking of atmospheres the scenic design by Todd Rosenthal was exquisite. It reminded me of "Hotel Sorrento" at the Playbox Theatre at the Malthouse. The costumes by Janice Pytel were chosen to accentuate each duality of each character. The actors themselves created the atmosphere by their behaviours, objectives and trust between each other. The way they used their emotional levels also counterpointed their inter-relationships and thus enhanced the atmospheres.
The cleaning up sequence was in silence. This had so much tension and the characters histories, journeys and dynamics shown in this sequence. You could empathise with each character's journey. We have all had an embarrassing moment or a tantrum in our lives. Or some moment that we wished we could forget or undo. This lengthy sequence had so much drama in the silence and allowed us time to reflect.
Reliving moments is what Chris' character does so well. Egg on his face not once but many times. Trying to correct his errors creates more layers to his character. This shows his brilliance as an actor to reach inside to each layer of discomfort. We cringe in mutual recognition.
Sound by Rick Sims was near perfection as the background music did not overpower the dialogue. My only beef is the entrance of the delivery boy should have had two sound effects. Maybe I missed it but I cannot remember him being buzzed in.
The inappropriate comments by the Palmer Party Senator, Jaquie Lambie requesting a man "being well hung" is so relevant to this play. This is the sort of debate that this play encourages. That is another timely reason why MTC should snap this play up.
It would be interesting for the actors to see what is their Belbin Team player profile.
What do people go to prostitutes for? Sex? Counselling? Companionship? Other? Why do people attend swingers parties? Why do we live our lives as we do? Challenging and confronting our attitudes.
I think there could quite easily be a sequel to this play that develops the rich areas that may be taboo to some. This play has the potential to develop into a tv series that could explore many themes of sexuality. For example, masturbation, monosexuality, diseases, postions, rape (both male and female rape), S&M, and bondage and deprivation. This could be developed with the questions of when and how to teach sex education.
This play explores so well the various levels of fear: anticipation, excitement, trepidation, wariness and dread. This relates to our fear to fully realise our potential as human beings. The play may be appear to be about sex but it has more serious questions for us to consider about respect for self and others.
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