By Elise C. Hanson-Barnett
A stretch of plain, low-pile carpet reaches out to an almost absurd expanse across the stage, nearly approaching the audience. The carpet extends up the skeleton walls of the set as well, looking oppressive and familiar, their stark comfortability more austere than inviting, rebelling against other, more ornate places of worship with aggressive ordinariness. This is a Latter-Day Saint meeting room. It is a room I have been in a million times, and immediately a feeling is invoked. Keven Myhre understood his task as set designer well. The strict lines and ostentatious length of the stage were exactly right for the setting of this tricky, intimate, powerful little play.
There is only one actor, and it is clear that Austin Archer and director Jerry Rapier had a lot of communication in undertaking this hefty, personal script by local playwright Matthew Greene. The breadth of honesty examined in the continuous monologue displays meticulous attention to character and story and a genuine commitment to veracity in execution. Archer moves from character to character as the play progresses, but while each character is distinct in tone, there are no broad strokes but rather gentle, fastidious pin points of specificity and mindfulness. Archer pauses, looks up, crosses his legs, leans back, pitches forward, or moves a chair with such deliberate and easy grace that every person he portrays is not only wonderfully real but painstakingly personable. It is one of the best performances I have seen in years, and Archer’s powerhouse talent is one to be celebrated.
Greene’s script tells the story of a young man in his early thirties who has been called in for a disciplinary council before the Stake presidency of his LDS ward because of his recent marriage to a man. It is a timely script and one not simple to unpack, as Greene does not do anything one expects: every ounce of dialogue and every character portrayed is drenched in an overwhelming storm of empathy and compassion. There was not a person that I did not recognize, not just from my own time in the LDS Church but from just being a person. There was the understanding bishop, the confused yet buoyant youth leader, the stubborn old man, the liberal member who questions the all-encompassing decisions of the Church. Yet these are all types, and that is not what Greene’s script intends. Though archetypes exist in the play, there is something much more meaningful at work: truth. The staggering sincerity and edification I felt was something rare and precious and insightful. It was something I wish I could share with my own mother or anyone who has ever had an experience, good or bad, with the LDS Church. It is something I am going to treasure for the rest of my life.
As I sat watching the end of the play, tears streaming down my face, listening to the sniffles of audience members around me, I thought how very grateful I was that I was able to witness not only this stunning work and Archer’s performance of it, but how very unique it was to be a Utahn watching an original piece that was so familiar and close to home. Plan-B Theatre Company strives to produce and foster new work, and boasts their place as the only professional company in the United States producing full seasons of new work by local playwrights. I believe soundly that that is something to be celebrated and supported, and I do recommend getting out to see this exquisite piece.
Note: Plan-B’s Benefit Preview Performances Program: More than 60 organizations have benefited from this program since it’s launch in 2001. We provide the final preview of each production as a fundraising opportunity to a local non-profit with an organic connection to the theme of that particular play. 100% of funds raised go directly to the benefiting non-profit. Located in Provo, Utah, the nonprofit Encircle’s mission is to embrace and sustain every LGBTQ+ youth, every family, and every community.
Plan-B Theatre Company presents Good Standing by Matthew Greene.
Remaining dates are October 19, 20, 26, 27 (at 4 PM and 8 PM), and 28.
Good Standing Facebook Event
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