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A Lie of the Mind
By Sam Shepard
Directed by Nic Dimond
At Strawdog Theatre
3829 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL
Call 773-528-9696, tickets $15 - $20
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 7 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through May 12, 2007
Compelling family drama well acted
Sam Shepard is know for writing plays about the American West featuring dysfunctional families trapped in their sordid pasts. His 1985 play, A Lie of the Mind, is a wild, heartbreaking and funny look at two families—one in Southern California and one in Montana both of which contain people whose actions lead toward making them hurt the people they love. Jealous rage triggers an appalling act of physical violence, sending shockwaves through the families of both the attacker and the victim, and bringing to the surface injuries, crimes, and desires long left buried. Shepard’s characters are filled with hopelessness and act out through violence. 
Stawdog’s production features excellent ensemble work from Janet Brooks as Lorraine the cold-hearted mother of Jake (Jamie Vann in an emotionally taxing turn). Shannon Hoag is terrific as the mentally impaired Beth who was beaten madly by her husband Jake. Jim Poole as Baylor Beth’s farmer/hunter father and John Henry Roberts offers fine work as Frankie, Jake’s brother. The dysfunctional characters are nicely depicted allowing their quirkiness to shine.
I like this weird play as it gives a fresh look at the tension that violence brings to Frankie’s attempt to reconcile Jake and Beth. Shepard is sympathetic to the foibles of human nature. This well acted play has its moments of tenderness and hilarity. The wacky characters held me throughout. I like this work and so will you.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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