The Effect

The Effect

Barrow Street Theatre

August 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Effect

The Effect is a skillfully written play presently running Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theatre.  Lucy Prebble’s script is masterfully structured with stunning dialogue that transports you into the world of the play and inner life of the characters.  David Cromer’s direction is succinct and bold.  He clearly set up an environment of trust where the actors are able to delve and create truthful relationships and realistic moments that engage and enthrall the audience.  The cast is superb and each delivers honest performances that trigger emotional response and spark intellectual discussion.

Kati Brazda & Steve Key
Photo courtesy of The Effect

Connie (played by Anne Bates) meets Tristan (played by Colin Bates) when they volunteer for an anti-depressant drug trial.  They are monitored and observed by Dr. Lorna James (played by Kati Brazda), who, we later find, suffers from bouts of depression.  As the days pass and the drugs begin to take effect, Connie and Tristan become attracted to one another.  We also find out that Dr. Lorna James, during a relatively trying time in her life, had a brief affair with her supervisor, Dr. Toby Sealey (played by Steve Key).  As the emotional roller coaster ride reaches its peak for these four characters, a few questions arise:  Which emotions are real?  Which emotions are drug induced?  Which emotions need to be controlled by medication?

Photo courtesy of The Effect

Set design, by Marsha Ginsberg, is slick and functional.  The walls quickly roll away to reveal new locations while, at the same time, eliciting a clinical setting.  The wall on house right is painted with a forest mural that fills the area with a calm and serene, yet haunting and mysterious ambiance.  Lighting designer Tyler Micoleau brilliantly creates shadows and isolates shapes that create moments of intrigue and heightened intensity.

The Effect is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally riveting play, produced with care and expertise.  Be sure to see it!  It is raw and real, thought provoking and passionate. 

Domenick Danza