Scare or amuse: shows open room for debate

"The Spirit Play" written by Emily Schwartz.
Photo credit: Tyler Core

Sally Morgan, British psychic to the stars, recently came under fire after claims that she might be a fake, while across the pond, experts continue to debate over the existence of a post-racial America. In the case of art imitating life, headlines become food for thought in the upcoming ensemble-driven comedy on nationalism with "The Americans", while "The Spirit Play" is a period piece that struggles with the concept of spiritualism.

Produced by The Strange Tree Group, "The Spirit Play" is an atmospheric dramedy set in the late 1870s. The story takes place in the affluent homes of Chicago’s elite at a time when séances and mediums were popular means for people to contact their lost loved ones. Grieving families become easy prey for a group of scheming con artists until lead character Jane starts to receive messages from beyond the grave.

Based on an original script by Emily Schwartz, the group’s artistic director and resident playwright, several scenes were inspired by original transcripts of séances and a book that exposes popular tricks by mediums. “The theme is about belief versus truth,” she explains. “Even though all the evidence might point to the fact that (spiritualism) isn’t true, there’s still that kernel of belief and the question: what if?”

Despite its post-Victorian setting, the concept of spirituality is still very much alive with the popularity of celebrity psychics. “Mediums are still operating across the globe and have thousands upon thousands of followers,” says Schwartz.

Emily Schwartz, artistic director and resident
playwright of The Strange Tree Group.
Photo credit: Tyler Core

Wrapped in the group’s steampunk aesthetic and glossed over with effects by magician Brett Schneider, "The Spirit Play" packages this hot button issue into a highly entertaining show that hopes to draw next month’s horror movie-loving crowds.

Halcyon Theatre’s "The Americans", on the other hand, skips the smoke and mirrors in favor of a bare bones production involving an ethnically diverse cast of twenty. “When Shakespeare’s plays were first performed, there were little more than a bench and a potted plant in his shows,” says artistic Director, Tony Adams. “The world is created with words.”

And create worlds it does. Written by playwright Coya Paz, actors explore their identity as an American in today's world using humorous and touching narratives. In doing so, Paz puts forth the many faces and the lives affected by headline fodder such as racism, the Tea Party movement and immigration laws.

Tony Adams, artistic director of
The Halcyon Theatre

“When an artwork gets more political, there’s a temptation to channel your own view point, which is neither entertaining nor very good art,” says Adams. “[Paz] has done a good job of presenting both sides in a fair manner because you can’t create change if you can’t find a middle ground.”

Together, "The Spirit Play" and "The Americans" set the stage for controversy, whether through spiritualism or patriotism. While techniques vary from the highly stylized to the minimalist, together they attempt to understand the very human need to explore identity through various facets. Of course, neither one will spoil it by giving us all the answers with endings that leave plenty of room for debate. Just like the real-life headlines that inspired them in the first place.

“The Americans” starts September 26 at the DCA Studio Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; $5 suggested donation; 312-742-8497 and www.dcatheater.org

“The Spirit Play” starts September 27 at the Studio Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; $5 suggested donation; 312-742-8497 and www.dcatheater.org