Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – At 59E59, the prolific Alan Ayckbourn continues to cast his warm, knowing gaze on the human condition

• By drediman
• June 10, 2016
• No Comments

Over the past week, I caught up with Brits Off-Broadway’s Alan Ayckbourn offerings, which this year is comprised of the Stephen Joseph Theatre productions of Confusions and Hero’s Welcome. Both plays, which are also directed by Mr. Ayckbourn himself, are currently playing in repertory at 59E59 Theaters. Even if neither play represents top-tier Ayckbourn, they’re still fine ambassadors for one of the most prolific playwrights in the history of theater. To date, he has penned 79 plays, which I believe is (or very nearly) unsurpassed in modern theater. Also, more than any other living playwright I can think of, Mr. Ayckbourn has the uncanny ability to highlight the genuine good humor, awkwardness, and tragic depths of human existence, often in ways that catch you off guard.

Mr. Ayckbourn’s slight and breezy 1974 Confusions (RECOMMENDED) remains a tasty sampler of a play. The piece is comprised of five very funny, slightly interlocking one-act plays (“Mother Figure”, “Drinking Companion”, “Between Mouthfuls”, “Gosforth’s Fête”, and “A Talk in the Park”), a structure which serves to emphasize the isolation we all feel, even in the physical presence of our so-called friends, colleagues, and partners. Rarely are we on the same page with anyone but ourselves, the play exclaims – often in the form of hilarious situational comedy. Given the variety of roles they are required to play, Confusions is a treat for actors, and the all-British cast are giddily up to the challenge.

Ayckbourn’s latest, Hero’s Welcome (RECOMMENDED), finds the playwright in a more somber mood than usual. The play follows three couples – one of which includes the titular war veteran, who has returned to his hometown as the play commences – as they deal with the ghosts of their collective pasts and the challenges of their current relationships. Although the play isn’t nearly as cleverly structured as his other plays (Confusions being one of them), resulting in some somewhat stagnant stretches and monotonous pacing, Mr. Ayckbourn nevertheless has insightful observations about love, friendship, and relationships, particularly in the much darker and unpredictable second act. As with Confusions (the same actors are used for both productions), the acting is excellent across the board, and in this more serious play, they’re able to display their considerable dramatic acting chops.

CONFUSIONS
Off-Broadway, Play (playing in repertory with Hero’s Welcome)
59E59 Theaters
2 hours, 15 minutes (with one intermission)
Through July 3

HERO’S WELCOME
Off-Broadway, Play (playing in repertory with Confusions)
59E59 Theaters
2 hours, 15 minutes (with one intermission)
Through July 3