Majestic acting engulfed into a dramatic and highly intensive atmosphere with subtle nuances of comedy and satire
The two new plays by Joseph Ryan Hughes and Connor McCrory are connected through the themes of murder. On the small stage with minimal set pieces and props, the cast manages to exhibit a wide range of emotions ranging from joy and happiness to fear and desperation. The first play, “We Are Monsters”, gives life to myths and legends all under the umbrella of Halloween and of pop culture, where the victim becomes the perpetrator and vice versa. The second play, “Glass”, portrays heavy emotions tied to Panic Disorder. This is undertaken by showcasing the effects of emotional manipulation that can trigger distress.
The first play follows the pranks and the adventures of a brother and sister that scare campers and then steal their items. Laura Mugford as Caitlyn and Joseph Ruan-Hughes as Kyle manage to enchant the audience with their acting that keeps you on the edge as to what will happen next. Throughout the whole play there is a whirlwind of metaphors and pop culture references, as in the case of Heinz and Aldi beans, that serve to add hilarious elements to the rather dramatic plot. The plot starts smoothly and reaches its apex in different stages whenever Wesley (played by Moses Alexander), the ghost-whisperer joins in. The play has very interesting scenes like the drowning ones and the clever discussions during when Wesley confuses Caitlyn and Joseph as supernatural beings. A really positive element is the plot twist at the end, where all the actors manage to play with the right amount of emotional tension.
The second play, Glass, is emotionally heavy as it looks on Brody’s suffering from the condition of Panic Disorder. Brody, as played by Connor McCrory, manages to show a range of emotional battles within his own mind and his understanding of the world around him. This all occurs during a mysterious call. The stranger calls him from the train opposite the window of his office that has broken down. A witty twist to the play occurs when the stranger claims to have a bomb in his suitcase able to destroy Brody’s office and the train with it. Ideas of manipulation, ignorance of someone’s needs and demons faced are brought up. This sword dancing conversation between Brody and the stranger has a lot of power-balance shifts. Masterfully, as the name of the play denotes, “Glass”, showcases the fragility of someone’s self. The play manages to drive and guide the audience through that notion as Connor McCrory experiencing himself Panic Disorder, acts in a very natural and non-exaggerated way. The conversation with the stranger represents society looking down on and mocking those suffering from mental health issues. In Brody’s case, the stranger does not only emotionally challenge him, but also has the indirect power over his own life, those in his office, and the people on the train. This play manages to intrigue and challenge the audience. Nevertheless, the writing of the play at some points goes into so much detail that it is difficult to follow, while some monologues are rather static and tiresome.
Both plays are an ode to showing the fragility of one’s own self and of who we really are. The audience gets to embark on an interesting journey through dramatic and satirical twists as both plays unfold. Both plays are worth watching if you are looking for dramatic tension with hints of comedy.