Incident at Vichy

Incident at Vichy

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 27, 2015

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

SignatureTheater’s production of Incident at Vichy is relevant, timely, and jaw-dropping.  It is as if the script was recently written by Arthur Miller as an allegory to our present political/social climate.  Racial profiling, acting above the law, prejudice, scapegoating, events that evoke fear, denial of governmental motivations… history continues to repeat itself.  Director Michael Wilson delves into every emotional moment and political/social innuendo that allows this phenomenal ensemble to create a truthful and powerful performance.

Darren Pettie, Jonny Orsini, & Evan Zes
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The year is 1942 in Vichy, France.  Hitler and the Nazi Party have gained a substantial amount of power.  Ten men have been rounded up from the streets and taken to a holding area.  They are expecting a routine check of papers.  As fear and paranoia mounts, they share the rumors of trains packed with Jews brutally shipped off to concentration camps.  Since the Nazi atrocities have yet to be made public, their disbeliefs become a heated debate.  Everyone has the required paperwork, yet once they find out what the officers are looking for, they realize there is no escape.

Darren Pettie & Richard Thomas
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Richard Thomas plays Von Berg, an Austrian Prince, who was evidently profiled for a different reason than the others.  As it becomes clear that he is the only man with any chance of being released, he is challenged by Darren Pettie, who plays Leduc, to look deeply into his conscience.  Is he guilty of the same prejudice and bigotry as the Nazi’s because he views himself separate from the others?  Is the lack of action from a man of his position and wealth a choice that enables the Nazi rise to power?  Mr. Pettie depicts the duality of his character by emotionally retaining his sense of reason while physically portraying his mounting desperation.  The outcome of this confrontation is stunningly powerful and Mr. Thomas delivers it with poignant strength and commitment. 

Richard Thomas, Derek Smith, & Jonathan Gordon
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Derek Smith delivers a captivating performance as Monceau.  The self-confidence and “panache” of his character fires up the debate and makes denial a palpable element that empowers the opposition.  Every actor in this company develops individual and realistic characters and are equally responsible for creating an experience that is eye-opening and awe-inspiring.

The set, by Jeff Cowie, is realistic and dirty (as it should be).  The soundscape, designed by John Gromada, is highly effective.  It is subtle in the opening of the show, then grows and builds as you realize the reality of the situation and the fate of the characters.  Projection design by Rocco Disanti packs a powerful image for the ending of the play.

James Carpinello
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

“What the play really probes and asks is no matter your class, no matter your political affiliation, what is one’s own personal responsibility to these kinds of situations?  I think that becomes a compelling, harrowing question to face for not only the characters in the play but also for us as an audience,” states Director Michael Wilson in a Signature Theatre publication.  The production is extended through December 20 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  Experience the play for yourself and see how you fare with that essential question.

Domenick Danza