Three Siblings Working To Find Their Way Out Of “A Dark Wood”

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The Chicago premiere of “A Dark Wood”, written by Eric Coble and presented by Tin Drum Theater, is an ambiguous dystopian story in three acts. The story starts with three carefree figures, a brother and two sisters, playing in a desolate place you feel before you see it – we learn the characters are reminiscing. The play has a Beckett bleakness and borrows from Dante’s Divine Comedy the title (Selva Oscura – Dark Wood), as well as the headings for each act.

Act 1, Inferno: In a post apocalyptic area “The Mouth”, two men, Earthworm (Renzo Vincente, his expressive work capturing the exhaustion of a young man trapped by a ruthless regime), separated from his two sisters, and Montrose (Carlos Andres Mai, delivering a fiercely charismatic performance) share a tent, waiting for a boat and hoping to be chosen from this totalitarian regime called “The Fix” to a safer place. They share a dry cinnamon bun Montrose had found and Earthworm was hoarding – feels tragic and human.

Act 2, Purgatorio: Hummingbird (Delaney Vallese), the younger sister, is a “breath of fresh air”, bringing a hot cinnamon bun to her poised and resilient teacher Miss Vivian (an intense, grounded Shannon Leigh Webber) hiding in her apartment, harassed by the landlord Dipper (Raul Alonzo, a very effective shadow figure).

Act 3, Paradiso: Armadillo (Marlee Feacher, in an outstanding deeply felt characterization) is the eldest sister who has joined the military police. In spite of her safety, her conscience is tormented by the state’s fascist violence. Noting sardonically that, “it always starts with pastries”, Ms. Feacher delivers a stunning climax, defiantly stripping off her military uniform in a haunting, emotional dark dance of redemption.

Director Steve Needham’s keen eye hones these nuanced, stridently real ensemble performances to a razor sharp edge. “A Dark Wood” is a gripping exploration of what it takes to survive complicity, and an urgent reminder of the enduring power to preserve human connection. This excellent theatrical work only runs until November 1st, so please see www.tindrumtheatre.com for tickets or more information.

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