Yesterday evening I experienced something completely unexpected. Out of the blue I received a powerful jolt, as if struck to the core by a hammer.
What happened? I went to see The Aliens at the Ion Theatre. The Ion Theatre Company produces cutting edge live theater in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. The Aliens is a very unusual and surprising play that won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. It was written by Annie Baker.
I wasn’t expecting such power.
The Aliens is well performed by three great actors: Brian Butler, Tyler Oakley and Reed Willard. The characters they portray are absolutely human–slightly absurd and terribly broken. They are troubled in ways that are disturbing, heart-wrenching. They are frustrated, uncertain, in pain, alienated, almost hopeless.
But they aren’t hopeless.
Each character possesses awkward warmth and connection. And humor.
Then, like a bolt from the blue, at the very end, the emotional hammer strikes. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to find out for yourselves.
Here’s a hint. In everyone there is unique genius. And while some people might not go far in this world, that genius–that yearning outflow from each individual heart–never stops. Life’s path might be unexpectedly short, but genius does not die.
Thoughtful adults should see this play. Check out the Ion Theatre’s website. The Aliens runs through December 12.
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Thanks for alerting me to this.
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Have you seen any plays at Ion before? This was my first time.
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No…plays haven’t been in my “budget”.
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I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
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I did, thanks. I volunteered and helped at a church dinner, took some food to a shut in friend and helped her for a few hours, then ate back with my present host and her family. How about you?
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I had a quiet, restful day!
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worth the $32.00?
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If one enjoys theater, yes. It’s thoughtful and challenging. The performances were great. It’s raw. It’s mostly dialogue between characters who have coarse qualities some people might not like. It’s not for children. I’m an artsy kind of person, who loves challenging thoughts, words and stories . . . and I loved it! And the end misted my eyes. I’ll admit it.
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If I were living in San Diego area, I surely would go and see this play. You have become, among other things, Richard, a great theater critic!!!
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Or a really great salesman!
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That, too.
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