“The Refuge Plays” is a family saga that explores themes of identity and survival in a surreal and captivating way. Set in present-day Illinois wilderness, the play follows four generations of a family living in a cabin built by the eldest matriarch, Early. As the family members navigate their lives in this alternative world, they face their own ghosts and contend with their uncertain future. With bold interpretations of the characters and a sustained momentum, this Roundabout Theater Company production, directed by Patricia McGregor, brings the playwright Nathan Alan Davis’s vision to life. While the play’s grand ambitions and three-hour running time may be daunting, “The Refuge Plays” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of the human spirit.
The Refuge Plays: A Surreal Homestead Saga Explores Identity and Survival
Overview of The Refuge Plays
The Refuge Plays, written by Nathan Alan Davis, is a three-act play that delves into the lives of a family living in present-day Illinois wilderness. The play explores themes of identity, self-perception, and survival, showcasing the journey of four generations of Early’s family. Directed by Patricia McGregor, the production offers bold interpretations and breaks artistic forms. With a running time of three hours and 20 minutes, The Refuge Plays presents a comprehensive and immersive theatrical experience.
Connection to Ralph Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’
Nathan Alan Davis draws inspiration from Ralph Ellison’s seminal novel, ‘Invisible Man’, in The Refuge Plays. Just like the unnamed narrator in ‘Invisible Man’, the character Early retreats from the world to live in a secret cellar. Both works explore the concept of creating one’s own world in the face of adversity and oppression. Davis’s play pays homage to Ellison’s work by delving into themes of identity and self-perception, interweaving them with the trials and triumphs of Early’s family.
Setting and Characters
The play is set in present-day Illinois wilderness, where Early’s family resides in a cabin built by Early and her husband, Crazy Eddie. The cabin serves as a significant backdrop, representing a sanctuary and a testament to Early’s survival skills. The four generations of Early’s family, including characters like Ha-Ha, Joy, Gail, and Walking Man, navigate their lives in this isolated setting. The dynamics of kinship and the bond that holds the family together are prominent themes within the play.
Part 1: Present-day Illinois Wilderness
In the first part of The Refuge Plays, the audience is introduced to Early’s family and their living situation in the present-day Illinois wilderness. The cramped and modest cabin becomes a symbol of their choice to live together out of kinship rather than necessity. The character analysis of Ha-Ha, Early’s great-grandson, highlights his deferential and bookish nature. The themes of kinship and the contrast between traditional survival skills and the modern world are explored in this part.
Part 2: Rewinding to the Past
The second part of the play takes the audience back in time to reveal the events that led Early into the woods and why others followed. The bond that holds the family together is explored in detail, portraying their resilience and determination to create a life on their own terms. Sitcom conventions come into play during this act, adding a touch of humor to the narrative. Surreal and Shakespearean elements are also introduced, with the inclusion of ghosts and an Oedipal revenge plot.
Part 3: Imagining a Meet-Cute in Exile
In the final part of The Refuge Plays, a different mode of storytelling is employed. The audience is presented with a meet-cute between a young couple in exile, exploring themes of love, connection, and survival. This section offers a glimpse into an alternative way of being, showcasing the characters’ ability to create meaningful relationships even in unconventional circumstances.
Bold Interpretations by Patricia McGregor
Under the direction of Patricia McGregor, The Refuge Plays benefits from bold interpretations of Davis’s characters. McGregor emphasizes the humor woven throughout the play and mines deeper meanings from the text. She brings a sustained momentum to the production, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story. The dynamic character dynamics and relationships are expertly handled under McGregor’s direction.
Pacing and Sentimentality
The pacing of The Refuge Plays has a significant impact on the audience’s experience. Davis’s airy lyricism at times challenges the pace, especially in the second act where sentimentality occasionally creeps in. Balancing the humor and emotional weight becomes crucial in maintaining the overall impact of the play. Despite occasional lags, the production manages to strike a balance and engage the audience throughout.
Character Analysis: Early (Nicole Ari Parker)
Nicole Ari Parker delivers a captivating performance as Early, the matriarch of the family. Despite her innate gentility, Parker portrays Early with poised ferocity, matching the character’s wild fate. Her flinty exterior is a formidable match for Crazy Eddie, played by Daniel J. Watts, who brings a philosophical and jester-like quality to the role. Parker’s performance adds depth and intensity to the character of Early, making her a compelling figure in the play.
Alternative Ways of Being: Breaking Artistic Forms
Nathan Alan Davis’s ambitious vision for The Refuge Plays is evident in his intention to break artistic forms. By isolating his characters from social contexts and systems, Davis creates a world that allows for alternative ways of being. The play challenges existing artistic forms and creates new ones, resulting in a provocative but sometimes messy outcome. Despite its flaws, The Refuge Plays showcases the potential for stories to transcend the limitations of the world we inhabit.
In conclusion, The Refuge Plays is a comprehensive and thought-provoking theatrical experience that explores themes of identity, survival, and the power of storytelling. With its connections to Ralph Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’, its unique setting and characters, and its bold interpretations by Patricia McGregor, the play offers a surreal and immersive journey for the audience. Although it may occasionally falter in pacing and sentimentality, The Refuge Plays presents a testament to the human spirit’s ability to thrive amidst adversity.
