Anatomy of a Suicide

Anatomy of a Suicide

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

February 1, 2019

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Alice Birch’s Anatomy of a Suicide is an intense masterwork.  It examines the traumatic effects associated with the suicide of a loved one.  It is a compelling work that requires detailed timing and hyper awareness from every cast member.  There are three story lines taking place simultaneously.  Director Lileana Blain-Cruz guides the focus of the audience, maintaining a clear through line of action in this complex structure.  The Atlantic Theater Company intently brings all the elements together in this mesmerizing production.

The Full Company of "Anatomy of a Suicide"
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

First, we meet Carol (played by Carla Gugino) who is being picked up at a hospital by her husband, John (played by Richard Topol).  We find out that Carol unsuccessfully attempted suicide.  While this scene is taking place, we meet Anna (played by Celeste Arias), who is trying to scam drugs from a friend who works in a hospital.  In the next set of overlapping scenes we meet Bonnie (played by Gabby Beans).  She is an emergency room nurse with a strong ability to disengage emotionally.  As we follow the stories of these three women, we gradually understand their relationship.  What unravels is an intimate comprehension of the trauma passed down through generations by a mother’s suicide.

Playwright Alice Birch
Photo courtesy of Alice Birch

Playwright Alice Birch creates curiosity in the beginning of the play by building a sense of mystery and suspense.  The timing of the revelation of facts to piece the story together is perfect.  Just as a question forms in your head, the answer unfolds, as well as a new question and the desire to know more.  This is how she pulls you into the brutally emotional reality of the characters.  With three story lines playing concurrently, you need to step back in order to focus and follow.  This creates an emotional distance.  It is through this distance that we are able to safely engage in the gravity of the events without being overwhelming by their intensity.  This is where director Lileana Blaine-Cruz’s skillful ability to keep the audience’s attention focused is most vital.  There are a number of dark moments, yet the sense of hope is always present in at least one element or character in each scene.

The cast of ten is truly phenomenal.  They dive deep into the souls of their characters, riding the rhythm of Ms. Birch’s dialogue and delivering one truthful moment after another.  Anatomy of a Suicide is playing at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through March 15.  It is brilliantly written, expertly directed, and skillfully performed.

Domenick Danza