Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Julia Cho’s intense OFFICE HOUR opens at the Public

• By drediman
• November 11, 2017
• No Comments

Ki Hong Lee and Sue Jean Kim in Julia Cho’s “Office Hour” at the Public Theater.

This week, Julia Cho’s intense new drama Office Hour opened at the Public Theater. The play tells the story of a college English teacher and her efforts to counsel one of her troubled students, who may or may not be posing a threat to the safety of the student body and college personnel. Both characters, as it turns out, are Korean American.

Although the play’s incendiary scenes struck me as a tad forced, I applaud Ms. Cho for attempting to honestly explore contemporary issues concerning the Asian American experience. It’s a dialogue that needs to be heard more of in our society. And given the influx of domestic mass shootings, the play’s looming firearms threat had me on edge throughout the duration of the play.

The production is accomplished and is staged with a sure hand by director Neel Keller. I also applaud Takeshi Kata’s savvy set design, particularly the detail of his central office set piece. The acting is also very fine. I especially took to the intensity with which Sue Jean Kim  and Ki Hong Lee attack their roles (they play the teacher and student, respectively).

RECOMMENDED

OFFICE HOUR
Off-Broadway, Play
The Public Theaer
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 3