Slow Air @
59 E59 Theaters
The Scottish
Week Theater celebration, at 59E59 Theaters, has brought in an unexpected and wonderful
play, Slow Air. It is a two person,
story-telling play – where the actors address the audience directly instead of
each other. The device allows the
characters to open up about emotions and insecurities, which they can’t do face
to face with others. It allows the audience
to share their introspection and, in this case, builds tension for what will
ensue.
 |
| Susan Vidler as Morna, and Lewis Howden as her brother, Athol in SLOW AIR |
The two
characters here are Athol and Morna, adult siblings who haven’t spoken in 14
years. Athol, played by Lewis Howden, is
the stable brother. He has grown up,
built a floor tiling business and raised a family with his wife. They have moved to Glasgow, made friends with
their neighbors and settled into a comfortable life. Mr. Howden beautifully brings to life the pleasant and unassuming Athol. A man perfectly suited
to his current situation, but uneasy when his emotional boundaries are tested.
.
And his
sister, Morna, excels in testing Athol’s boundaries. Susan Vidler brings the hyperkinetic Morna to
life, demanding attention even when sitting still. Morna hasn’t
traveled far from home, living in Dalry with her son, Joshua. It is the unseen Joshua who provides the
catalyst for Morna and Athol’s story. On
his 21st birthday, Joshua goes to visit the Aunt and Uncle he hasn’t
seen in 14 years.
.
Slow Air
explores the ties of family and community, and how seemingly random coincidences
affect those ties. Ultimately, Slow Air
is wistful and hopeful story. It is not so much a tale of “love
wins out”,but a more truthful “love gives us a chance”.
.
David Shea
handles the lighting design expertly, always critical in a show where the focus
transitions between monologues. David
Harrower, the writer and director, brings the story to life gently and slowly,
opening up the story in bits to make a satisfying whole. It is a tentatively happy tale – which is the
perfect tone, without ever becoming saccharine.
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Slow Air at 59E59 Theaters
Playwright: David Harrower
Director: David Harrower
Cast: Lewis Howden, Susan Vidler
Through April 29th (website)
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