The Humans was haunting and a beautifully done play. The acting was superb in many places throughout. I especially loved the natural pauses and overlaps in conversation— a job well done by the actors and playwright. I applauded the way the roles were approached by the actors and especially appreciated Lauren Klein as the grandmother and her endurance and patience throughout the night. If there is anything I have learned about acting, it’s that sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing. I was also a fan of the humor, which was predominately dry because it accurately portrayed the family’s relatively awkward dynamic. There were definitely sections I think could have used a lot of improvement, specifically on Sarah Steele’s part in her role as Brigid. I found her movements and voice work forced at times and struggled to see genuine responses to many of the other characters’ actions. It seemed to me that her reactions were preplanned for the most part. Despite the weak moments, all of the actors seemed to have done a fairly decent job of telling the story the best way they knew how.
In addition, I adored the play’s set and loved the other elements such as the lights, which were used to create suspense and the rather sudden movement of pots and door slams to evoke the audience’s sense of fear. I was fairly impressed with the way my own fight or flight instincts erupted as I nervously held my breath, waiting for the woman without a face to somehow find a way to eat me. My anxiety said a lot about the realistic nature of the performance and the wonderful way it was staged. There were little nuances that added fascinating touches to the night, such as the way in which Michael Bryan French’s character Erik Blake seemed to have clear moments of inner dialogue as he stared at the wheelchair in the beginning of the play, or out the window. Even at the very end, it seemed to me that Michael was not just showing us how frantic he was, but he was almost trying his best not to. The fear he felt was enough and there was no need for exaggeration.
The performance was the best we have been to this semester and I only wish we had more time to experience such raw art in a space as inviting as the Roundabout theater. It was a very warm and welcoming theater, which made me feel close to not only the actors, but also the audience—especially Drew Barrymore, who totally felt the connection we had. I am only sorry I did not get a chance to tell Drew—I feel like we’re on a first name basis now—that I felt it too, and yes I’m sure we can discuss the play sometime, just let me check my calendar.
I agree with what you said about the grandmother’s role. I was also especially impressed by her ability to be patient and stay in character throughout the whole play, even though she did not have many lines. Her portrayal of someone with such an illness was also very raw and realistic and it had an impact on the audience I feel.