Gnit

 Gnit
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
November 6, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Will Eno has taken Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and made it his own with Gnit, now playing downtown Brooklyn at Theatre for a NewAudience.  The quest for the self at the expense of everything is still the main action, yet the story is simpler, more concise.  His main character, Peter, is still the self-centered liar as Ibsen’s Peer, but in Gnit the quest is not fully realized.  Peter’s adventures do not land him in a secure and warm place, but leave him questioning, and presenting that question to the audience.

Joe Curnutte & Deborah Hedwall
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In the opening scene Peter’s mother (played by Deborah Hedwall) is waiting for his return.  She is sick and in need of his care.  When Peter (played by Joe Curnutte) finally returns, he is full of stories, and does not acknowledge his mother’s need.  He is off again when his mother tells that the woman he once loved is set to marry another man.  On the way to steal back the bride, he meets Solvay (played by Jasmine Batchelor), and falls in love.  The town sues Peter's mother for the disruption he causes at the wedding, leaving her with nothing.  Peter runs to the mountains and becomes entrapped by a woman (played by Christy Escobar) whose father (played by David Shih) promises him wealth and stability.  Peter escapes, returning to build a home for him and Solvay.  As soon as the house is complete, the woman from the mountains finds him.  With their child in her arms, she tries to lure him back.  Before fleeing, Peter visits his mother on her death bed.  He is present for her passing, but leaves before her burial. 

In Act II, Peter finds his fortune, then carelessly loses it.  He travels the world in search of himself, only to return to the home he built for himself and Solvay, too late to spend time with her.  She has passed, and Peter is left questioning the purpose of his journey. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Joe Curnutte captures the audience’s attention on his first entrance.  His character grows throughout his journey, driven by his main objective and continually probing any questions he faces.  Deborah Hedwall is powerful as Peter’s Mother.  She reaches deep to portray the hurt, loneliness, and disappointment of the character.  She and Mr. Curnutte have a strong connection.  Among the stylized interpretations in this production, the most intimate moment is between these two actors at the death of the Mother.

The huge cast of Ibsen’s play is performed by six actors in this adaptation.  The ensemble work is outstanding.  Jasmine Batchelor has a subtle and effective presence as Solvay.  There are equally strong performances by Jordan Bellow, Christy Escobar, and David Shih.  These amazing actors play numerous roles, quickly transforming into distinct characters in the blink of an eye.  

Playwright Will Eno
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Will Eno’s writing is rhythmic and prolific.  The relationships are established quickly through the tone of the writing.  Director Oliver Butler keeps this rhythm and tone consistent throughout the production, heightening the humor, sharply focusing the theme, and giving the audience distance to fully experience the extensive journey of the characters. 

The Theatre for a New Audience production of Will Eno’s Gnit is a MUST SEE.  Originally schedule and rehearsed for a March 2020 opening, the stunning set, designed by Kimie Nishikawa, remained on the Scripps mainstage of the Polansky Shakespeare Center throughout the pandemic.  It is sheer joy to finally experience this engaging piece of theatre.  Gnit is playing through November 21.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza