Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The overeager EMPATHITRAX falls short on theatrical know-how

• By drediman
• September 28, 2016
• No Comments

Justine Lupe, Genesis Oliver, and Jimmi Simpson in “Empathitrax” at HERE

I recently had a chance to catch Empathitrax, a new play by Ana Nogueira that’s currently closing out its run at HERE Arts Center. The premise is certainly fascinating – in order to save a relationship, would you be willing to take a drug that helps you empathize with your significant other? That’s the dilemma our two protagonists, simply named “her” and “him”, find themselves in. In recent seasons, the exploration of human relationships vis-à-vis the taking of drugs has been explored in such plays as Placebo by Melissa James Gibson at Playwrights Horizons and The Effect by Lucy Pebble at the Barrow Street Theatre.

Unfortunately, Ms. Nogueira’s play and Adriene Campbell-Holt’s production pales in comparison with those two previous theatrical experiences, both in terms of writing and execution. Although Empathitrax delves into interesting speculative territory, the straightforward, television script approach to the writing and direction lacks the artful theatricality and subtle nuances that made both Placebo and The Effect such potent theater. Despite the valiant efforts of the cast (Justine Lupe, Jimmi Simpson, and Genesis Oliver), ultimately their overeager acting don’t help matters much. On the contrary, in fact.

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EMPATHITRAX
Off-Broadway, Play
HERE Arts Center
1 hour, 40 minutes (without an intermission)
Through October 1