The collective memory of the September 11th attacks and how individuals cope with such tragedy is the focus for Jericho, a new play at the 59E59 Theaters. Jack Canfora’s play is a thoughtful and provoking meditation on a family destroyed by such a catastrophe.
Beth (Eleanor Handley) is the central character who is still grappling with her former boyfriend’s death and hallucinates constantly that is he still alive. Her lingering delirium manifests itself as she sees her Korean-American therapist as Alec (Kevin Isola). Isola plays both characters with a quiet charm. Beth’s problems continue with her current relationship with Ethan (Andrew Rein) as she has trouble committing to him. Alas, she commits to spending Thanksgiving dinner with his family.
Josh (Noel Joseph Allain), Ethan’s brother, survived the September 11th attacks physically, but is emotionally scarred as he attempts to sort through his feelings of guilt and anger. Unable to articulate and deal honestly with his experience on Tower 2 on September 11th, Josh pushes his wife Jessica (Carol Todd) away. He also denounces American culture and becomes a religious zealot focusing on returning to Israel for good.
The clever stage design of mixed chairs, tables and odd kitchenware and furniture, serve as a metaphor for chaos and the aftermath of tragedy and how individuals attempt to pick up the various parts of their lives afterwards. Before and after every scene, the actors carefully select a chair from the set and place them for the following scene.
While Jericho’s plot is captivating and enlightened, the direction could be stronger. Ethan’s mother (Jill Eikenberry) is the stereotypical overbearing, nagging Jewish mother and the extensive focus on Jessica at times detract from the overall play. Even so, Jericho is a worth a visit for its lingering and memorable performances and serve as a reminder of how collective tragedy transforms us all in different ways.
Jericho runs until Nov. 3 at the 59E59 Theaters.
