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Mud
By Maria Irene Fornes
Directed by Sean Graney
Produced by the-hypocrites
At The Building Stage
412 N. Carpenter
Chicago, IL
Call 866-811-4111, tickets $20
Thursday through Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Running time is 85 minutes with no intermission
Through April 8, 2007
Visceral and highly imaginative Mud is a true stunner
Give set designer Courtney O’Neill credit the most imaginative set design seen in Chicago in many a year. The boxed set contains the setting and stage for Maria Irene Fornes’ Mud. Inside, we see trappings of poor folks struggling to survive in squalor. The windowed box has the audience doing a “walk-around” wherein we move from one side of the box to another as a siren and flashing light signals for us to see the show from another side as the scenes change. This was an effective technique as it draws us into the visuals in this surreal and strangely moving piece of theatre. Director Sean Graney’s aptly has his three brave actors reeking out all of the angst and emotional baggage contained in Fornes’ intoxicating script.
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Fantastically brave performances from Helana Kays, as Mae, Geoff Button as Lloyd and Robert McLean as Henry prove once more why The-Hypocrites are among Chicago’s theatrical treasures. Helana Kays is especially outstanding as she conveys so much pain and strength with a simple look or gesture. The brave Geoff Button is the intense brute while Robert McLean is the older, nerdy man. Both compete for Mae’s love.
The story is raw, cruel and surreal yet we witness the Mae’s struggle to free herself from poverty. Fornes decries the lack of support in society even though Mae works day and night to improve her lot including teaching herself about nature. Lloyd is ill and needs assistance and she hopes Henry will afford her help but, ultimately, she realizes that she is alone in her quest for assistance.
The stunning action and sheer grittiness of the show will carry you along. Mud is a major achievement in unique, innovative theatre. Those who delight in raw, emotional shows will cherish this gem.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007
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