Doctor Heal Thyself

The Effect – Strawdog Theatre

Yeaji Kim’s stark, clean scenic design and precise projections perfectly create what appears to be an expensive, upscale medical clinic, in Lucy Prebble’s absorbing new drama. The winner of the Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play is now enjoying its Chicago premiere. A modest followup to her spectacular “Enron,” presented just a few years ago by TimeLine Theatre, Prebble’s four-hand drama takes a discerning look at the intersection of love and neuroscience. It’s an engrossing, albeit slightly predictable, love story that focuses on two individuals and how medical advancements may alter their attachment. 

Connie and Tristan are part of a larger, unseen group of paid volunteers, who are guinea pigs being tested for the effects of a new drug to treat depression. Despite warnings that they abandon all their electronic devices and remain calm and emotionally neutral during their time in quarantine, the handsome young man (played with unbridled appeal by Sam Hubbard) makes undaunted advances toward another lovely, intelligent female volunteer (a spunky and captivating Daniella Pereira). Although she initially resists, eventually she succumbs to his charm. Not quite certain if their romance is developing naturally or is the result of the drug they’re taking, the couple continue to meet in secrecy. The outcome of their tryst creates the drama in this piece.

As the dosages are increased, the patients are closely monitored by Dr. Lorna James, an attractive psychiatrist, who is being supervised, herself, by Dr. Toby Sealy. The two physicians, who’ve shared a past, debate whether or not depression can be brought under control with medication. Lorna argues that a depressed individual, like herself, sees the world with much more clarity, while Toby believes that the patient’s chemical imbalance should be addressed, if possible. As Toby, Cary Shoda portrays a staunch and very rigid, determined scientist. Justine C. Turner, however, carries Elly Green’s mesmerizing production, as a true professional, with her own afflictions. Ms. Turner creates a professional woman who’s smart, a little bit cautious and just a bit tense about the situation she’s putting her subjects through. The final scenes provide a true denouement to the story that Prebble tells.

In this shrewd and gripping tale, that’s part love story and part scientific debate, Lucy Prebble’s drama could easily be subtitled Doctor Heal Thyself. The playwright has much to say about our continued growing reliance upon medication and the skepticism that surrounds this addiction. She also seems to question whether a doctor who suffers, herself, from a particular malady, should be involved in any form of treatment for that illness. It’s a fascinating two hours of human connection and intellectual entertainment.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented October 13-November 23 by Strawdog Theatre Company, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-644-1380 or by going to www.strawdog.org.

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