The theater is a place of wonder and imagination, but what happens when it becomes a vessel for manipulation and power? This is the chilling question posed by Nazareth Hassan's 'Practice', a play that left me horrified, yet captivated. And here's the twist: it was all by design.
Theater as a Dark Art
Sara Holdren, a theater director and critic, delves into the depths of this thought-provoking production. 'Practice' is not your typical horror show with ghosts and jump scares. Instead, it presents a psychological thriller, a gut-wrenching exposé of the theater's dark underbelly. The play's characters are entangled in a web of power dynamics, willingly sacrificing their autonomy to a charismatic leader, Asa Leon.
The Power of Manipulation
Asa, played by Ronald Peet, gathers a group of actors for a devised performance experiment. But this is no ordinary rehearsal process. Asa's method involves a sinister values chart, where actors critique each other, and a disturbing encouragement to embrace discomfort. The ensemble, including the eager Savannah (Amandla Jahava) and the guarded Angelique (Maya Margarita), willingly offer themselves to this web of manipulation, creating a chilling atmosphere.
A Disturbing Performance
The play's structure is unique, with a long first act showcasing the rehearsal process and a shorter second act revealing the disturbing performance. Hassan's writing is a masterful blend of Gen-Z lingo and institutional artspeak, creating a voice that is both casual and scathing. The second act clarifies the play's intent, showing the psychological violence inflicted on the actors, particularly Mel (Karina Curet). It's a blunt-force impact that leaves the audience reeling.
Satire or Sympathy?
'Practice' is a wild showcase of acting talent, with the ensemble embodying characters under the corrupt influence of Asa. The movement and choreography, crafted by director Keenan Tyler Oliphant and Camden Gonzalez, are impressive. But is this a parody of experimental theater or a sincere exploration of abuse dynamics? Hassan suggests that abusers are recreating their own trauma, a controversial hypothesis. The play leaves us with a haunting question: can theater, an art form with immense power, ever truly be free from manipulation?
A Must-See Experience
'Practice' is a thought-provoking and unsettling journey, one that challenges our perceptions of theater and power. It's a bold statement that will leave audiences discussing its themes long after the curtain falls. And perhaps, just perhaps, it will spark a much-needed conversation about the darker side of artistic expression.
