Lost in Space

Solaris – Griffin Theatre Company

Isolated in outer space, with only your imagination and your two fellow scientists to keep you company and offer you mental stimulation, a person could start hallucinating. As a three-member crew of scientific specialists continue to live and work together on an interstellar research space station, studying and trying to understand the extraterrestrial intelligence on the distant planet they call Solaris, their minds begin to tap into the memories of special people from their past. The planet is covered by an ocean of continually surging and undulating waves of a gel-like liquid. These sweeping streams seem to hypnotize the scientists and ignite physical manifestations within the three astronauts of loved ones who no longer exist. What plays out is a kind of lost in space ghost story that will continue to haunt the audience’s imagination after the curtain falls.

David Greig’s play is based upon Stanislaw Lem’s 1961 science fiction novel, a source that’s inspired translations in many different languages. To say that Lem’s work of fiction has stimulated the imaginations of dozens of artists in every genre is an understatement. It’s provided the impetus for four other dramatic adaptations, as well as several operas, film versions and radio plays. Even the title has inspired the name of a rock band, a ballet and a whole lot of individual songs. All of these art forms attempt to create the profound experience of how an encounter with an alien life form or interstellar intelligence might affect human beings, especially when they’re isolated together in outer space.

Directed with style and attention to details that focus on the vulnerable human condition, Scott Weinstein has added his own artistic touches to David Greig’s script. Far different from Lem’s original novel, the central character of this dramatic adaptation is a female psychologist named Dr. Kris Kelvin. She’s soundly portrayed with strength and fierce determination by Isa Arciniegas, a young actress with an impressive Chicago resume. Ms Arciniegas holds the audience’s rapt attention in the palm of her hand as she deals with the conflicting views of her fellow astro scientists. For decades, the team has observed and recorded what they’ve witnessed on the surface of Solaris. Prior to Kelvin’s arrival at the space laboratory, the scientists experimented shooting high energy X-rays at the ocean-covered planet, to see what would happen. The result has been psychological trauma for each member of the team.

Throughout the play, Kelvin has several mind-bending video recording encounters with deceased fellow scientist, Dr. Gibarian, a former instructor of hers at university. He’s played with verve by the talented David Baldacci. Kelvin also spends time on the space station sharing ideas and sparring with both Sartorius, played with authority and an air of mystery by Nicole Laurenzi, and Snow (usually played by TJ Thomas, but beautifully portrayed on the night I was in the audience by talented understudy, Ethan Warren). Each of these characters eventually confess to having experienced mysterious visitations by loved ones from their past, but who are no longer alive. Sartorius has been haunted by the appearance of her young daughter, The Child (played at alternate performances by Kajsa Allen and Alexandrya Salazar). Snow, who finds a few welcome moments of humor in his character, has apparently had visits from his late mother.

As Kelvin settles into life on Solaris, she begins to experience her own encounters with the deceased from her past. Her manifestations center around Ray, who was Kelvin’s lover at one time, but following an argument he took his own life. This has haunted Kelvin for years and seeing him brings back all kinds of mixed feelings. Ray’s played with sincerity, humanity and incredible perception by handsome and gifted John Drea. He’s another actor in this cast with an impressive profile of prior theatrical experiences, and it shows in this performance. Strangely, Ray and The Child are both also visible to the entire team of scientists. But it’s eventually apparent to the scientists that the ocean has retaliated against their X-ray bombardment by somehow exposing hidden aspects of their personalities. 

Truly, one of the finest facets of this production is the artistry in the technical support. Joe Schermoly has designed a clean, sparsely appointed space station setting that’s award-worthy. The smoothly sliding walls continually create surprising new acting spaces, with the magical appearances of a bed, a table, and a pulldown work station. Hidden doors, cleverly built into the scenic design, house dozens of props, provided by Ivy Treccani, with an eye for authenticity. Brandon Wardell’s eerie, atmospheric lighting, as well as the excellent projection and video work by Yeaji Kim, all add immeasurable texture and detail to this production. And the original music and sound design by Eric Backus almost become an additional character in this piece.

This is one of the most astounding, thought-provoking and beautifully produced plays in Griffin Theatre’s long history of fine productions. It’s well worth seeing, although it does feel a bit long, at times. Perhaps, however, that only adds to the feeling of endlessness in outer space, making the story feel realistic for the audience. Still, there are places where the dialogue could be sped up or the tempo of the action increased as the play builds toward its conclusion. Two and a half hours is a long time to be lost in space, and the intermission is a welcome break. But all in all, this is an outstanding production that feels true to its source and will inspire plenty of discussions and debates, long after the final scene.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 19-March 27 by Griffin Theatre Company at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Raven Theatre box office, by calling 773-338-2177 or by going to www.griffintheatre.com.

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