By Briana Lindsay
Before attending the opening night performance of Warboy Theatre Projects’ production of The Box, I was familiar with their previous work, such as Shackled and Tell-Tale Heart. Both of these productions were written by local playwrights and put together in short amounts of time. These pieces were thought provoking and outside the norm of what one might see in Utah Valley. I had enjoyed myself at both of these previous works, and their newest project is nothing short of amazing.
The Box is a short, less than an hour, original play written by award-winning Christian Swenson, with script supervision by Jake Ben Suazo and Brian Grob. This original piece delves into the psyches of two men and their interactions with one another.
As I entered the theater, I was greeted by the soft sound of instrumental music playing from a record player. As the title suggests, there is a small white set that “boxes” in the actors. It consists of open wall frames, just large enough for the actors to stand with a few feet to walk about.
Man One, played by Daniel Anderson, and Man Two, played by Andrew Robertson, are confined to this box-like environment and have only a mirror and record player to keep them company. Man Two is working on escaping the space, while Man One is content in his living arrangements knowing that he is an “I.” An early conflict in the piece comes from Man One referring to Man Two as an “appendage.” Man Two is thought to be just an extension of Man One’s own mind. Later, Man One is surprised to see another person appear in the mirror and offer another explanation for Man One and Two’s existences. Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not these men will take the help from an offered hand.
Anderson’s performance as Man One was incredibly believable and sincere. His comfort in the use of words such as “appendage” when referring to Man Two as a friend brought comedy to the piece, especially how Anderson would emphasize certain words. There was an endearing awkwardness and subtlety to the character. I highly enjoyed Anderson’s reactions to the person in the mirror. His expressions and disbelief that someone else existed outside the box was fun and caused an interesting change in the character. I also loved when Man One takes the woman’s advice and tries to strike up a conversation with Man Two. The awkward and clever use of trying to imitate Man Two’s motions made for a fun and lovable bit. Each gesture was specific and Anderson’s strong understanding of the piece made for an endearing character.
Only being thought of as an extension of another person’s mind doesn’t sit well with Man Two. Robertson’s performance as a man dealing with this idea was genuine and heartfelt. The sadness and disbelief as he fails to try and express himself was relatable. Robertson also brought comic relief to the heavy subject. I enjoyed Robertson’s argument in why he couldn’t be just another figment of Man One’s imagination. His reasoning was logical as well as cleverly funny. There was a clear character arc in how Robertson portrayed this man dealing with the subject matter of existence. Robertson had defined confusion, denial, and later, a slight acceptance of what he is being told. The character of Man Two was a distinct character from Man One.
I appreciated the subtlety of director Chase Ramsey in the direction of the actors. Being boxed up, the actors were in a small space with little room for movement. The actors’ placement was always motivated and visible to the audience. The confidence in Man One’s idea that he was the maker of Man Two made for an interesting and complex dynamic between the two men. Kudos to Ramsey in how this piece was cast. The acting styles of Anderson and Robertson were very different, and their physical appearances also played a role in how these men were unique from one another.
Although the men are arguing and having a difficult time expressing themselves, I felt a strong connection and trust between the actors. The two men go through these discussions of what life is and what creates life. Both are very confident in their argument at the beginning, but become more shaken and unsure as the piece continues. The placement of Man Two as Man One speaks with the woman was excellent. Man Two was still visible and a part of the scene, but didn’t distract from the conversation at the mirror. As these philosophical changes are happening, the body language of both men made the importance of the text understood to the audience.
A surprise entrance made by Jessamyn Svenssen made for an interesting change in the dynamic. Svenssen played an audience member who decides to interact with Man One and offer advice. I had seen production photos featuring Svenssen, but her entrance and character still caught me off guard. Even as the play continued and Svenssen returned to her seat, I kept an eye out to see her reactions for commentary on what was happening on stage. Her distinct character lent a hand to the production in a beautiful and charismatic way.
After the play was finished, there was a short twenty-minute talkback with the director, actors and the playwright. Swenson spoke to the audience about his inspiration for the piece and how it derived from his own dealings with Asperger’s Syndrome. He shared what it felt like when interacting with others outside his own “box.” The struggle and intimate details that Swenson wrote into each of these characters made this script very personal and charming. I look forward to seeing a full-length production of the playwright’s insightful story. Although the inspiration came from dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome, the hardship and hope to overcome and step outside the box is relatable to every audience member.
Dan Whiting designed the simple set. The simplicity serves its purpose in boxing in the actors and separating them from the audience. The lighting was very helpful in the distinction of where the focus should be in the piece. Michael Gray did an excellent job in designing the lovely lights.
This is production that has a very limited run and seating. The story is insightful, clever, and heartfelt. I would recommend this poignant piece to anyone dealing with personal hardships, as well just a night out to see something that offers food for thought.
WARBOY THEATRE PROJECTS
THE BOX
WRITTEN BY CHRISTIAN SWENSON
THE ECHO THEATER – 145 Univ. Ave, Provo, UT
Runs July 12th and 13th at 7:30 PM (Only 60 seats a night)
$6 ONLINE $8 AT THE DOOR
warboytheatreprojects.com
Saw this tonight – One of THE best original scripts I have seen in a very long time. Deserves to take its place among the best absurdist writing for the theater. Dan Anderson is pitch perfect. As for the playwright, Christian Swenson, all I can say is a huge “BRAVO” and plead for him to write more, more, more! Excellent night at the theater – too bad its short run will deprive patrons of undoubtedly one of the best productions of the last year. Stellar all around – gave me goosebumps.