Absurdly Timely

Victims of Duty – A Red Orchid 

 

French-Romanian playwright Eugene Ionesco, the legendary master of absurdist theater, is known for his surreal comedies. He’s famous for such classics as “Rhinoceros,” “The Chairs” and “The Bald Soprano,” among others. In 1953 he wrote this rarely seen classic that’s said to be his most surreal and autobiographical of all his plays. Ionesco described that writing this one-act was like “tearing out his entrails, making public all his deepest doubts and fears.” In a surprising and often humorous repeat production by A Red Orchid Theatre, first produced there in 1995, this little-known jewel from the 1950s is said to be Ionesco’s favorite of the many plays he penned. 

Choubert and his wife Madeleine are a middle class couple who we meet discussing today’s theatre. The husband expresses a fondness for movies and plays, but laments that “drama’s always been

realistic and there’s always been a detective about.” Choubert goes on to explain to his wife that “every play’s an investigation brought to a successful conclusion. There’s a riddle and it’s solved in the final scene, sometimes earlier.” He grumbles that “you might as well give the game away at the start.”

 

After complaining that nothing ever happens, suddenly the unsuspecting couple answers a knock at their door and, ironically, a Detective enters. What starts out as a simple interrogation eventually turns into an incredible journey through their past, present and future. The Detective quizzes the couple about the spelling of the name of the previous tenant of their apartment. He eventually leads Choubert on an exploration of his recollections, while stuffing stale bread into his mouth to “plug the gaps in his memory.”

Two more characters arrive. One is called The Lady, and she mostly walks about or sits detached from the others, silently observing the proceedings. The other is named Nicolas D’eu, a dryly humorous, deeply philosophical poet who gets more and more upset at the Detective and the way he sadistically treats Choubert. When he’s able to stand by no longer, witnessing the cruel indignities the Detective is inflicting upon the hapless Choubert, Nicolas takes out a dagger and stabs the bully to death. The Detective’s last words reiterate the title of the play: “I am a victim of duty.” Choubert admits that he, too, is a victim of duty, as he continues to eat the bread; and Nicolas agrees, saying that “We’re all victims of duty.”

Shira Piven returns to A Red Orchid Theatre to direct this virtually unknown play once more. In her extraordinary new production, she reunites two of its original actors. Guy Van Swearingen again plays Choubert and the inimitable Michael Shannon recreates his role of The Detective. Bringing several years of experience and a finer honed skill for their craft, both actors are mesmerizing and dominate this fine production. Ms. Piven also brings back Russian scenic designer, Danila Korogodsky, to add some playfulness and fun with her stark, waterlogged stage setting. She’s created an environment dominated by a bathtub and a shower stall, both filled with water.

 Karen Aldridge, the incredibly gifted actress who created the role of Mrs. Phelps in Broadway’s “Matilda, the Musical,”gives her two leading men a run for their money. She portrays Madeleine with eloquence, dignity and a degree of wild abandon. Audiences may also recall this incredible actress’ terrific performances at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Goodman, Steppenwolf and Writers Theatre. This role is one more feather in the cap of this fine performer. In supporting roles, the Lady is mysteriously and seductively played by Mierka Girten and Richard Cotovsky makes a welcome return to A Red Orchid as the funny, but formidable Nicolas D’eau.

This production is particularly appropriate for this moment in time. In the way Ionesco echoes, not only what was happening in Paris, soon after the Nazis were driven out, but also what’s happening in America today makes it especially fitting. The playwright’s familiarity with fascism and his incorporation of themes of bullying, torture and blind obedience to authority seems absurdly timely. It’s not a play for everyone’s taste, but the thinking theatergoer, who’s openminded and ready to enjoy a play that’s as current as today’s headlines, will enjoy the 90 minutes spent with his fellow Victims of Duty.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas     

 

Presented July 11-August 5 by A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells, Chicago.

Ticket are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-943-8722 or by going to www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.