Archduke

 Archduke
Roundabout at Laura Pels
Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre
November 1, 2025

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

In his new play, Archduke, Rajiv Joseph takes a microscopic look at a crucial moment in world history.  The action is intellectually engaging and emotionally riveting.  His characters are all driven by strong, definitive urgency.  Their choice seems simple, yet they are constantly circling with questions.  Director Darko Tresnjak allows the rhythm in Mr. Joseph’s writing to soar, revealing the conflict and building the tension.  The characters continually poke at one another, giving each cast member equal opportunity to establish themselves while illuminating the laughs.  

The year is 1914.  Dragutin “Apis” Dimitrijevic, better known as The Captain (played by Patrick Page), is recruiting young men for a deadly mission.  He needs six men who desire meaning in their lives.  He only finds three: Gavrilo (played by Jake Berne), Nedeljko (played by Jason Sanchez), and Trifko (played by Adrien Rolet).  They are sent to him by a doctor who has diagnosed them with consumption.  They are lungers and have very little time left to live.  They are easily manipulated into The Captain’s murderous plan, including taking cyanide when the deed is done.  They are to board a train to Sarajevo, then kill the Archduke Franz Ferdianand and his wife, Duchess of Hohenberg.  That is, if they do not stop off for a sandwich along the way. 

Jake Berne, Adrien Rolet, & Jason Sanchez
Rehearsal photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Jake Berne portrays Gavrilo’s meekness and intellectual curiosity the moment he enters at the top of the show.  In a short time, Jason Sanchez arrives as Nedeljko, who is brawnier and rougher.  They test and challenge one another, both knowing what is at stake if they falter.  They are equally matched, and it is through this persistent confrontation that the audience understands them.  They develop a palpable bond that is put to yet another test when Trifko shows up.  Adrien Rolet is militant and demanding in this role.  He is questioned to his breaking point by Gavrilo and Nedeljko.  These three actors are captivating.  They make bold choices that reveal their characters’ grit and gusto, which thrusts the action forward. 

Patrick Page takes command as The Captain in scene two.  He manipulates the three young men, playing on their weakness.  He fabricates a story about who caused their consumption, then identifies this as the enemy.  He tells tall tales of his bravery in the fight against that enemy.  Mr. Page works every tactic as the three recruits question every detail of his plan, compete for his attention, and defend their integrity. 

The Full Cast
Rehearsal photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Kristine Nielson is mysterious and witty as Sladjana, The Captain’s cook.  She feeds the young men to get them on The Captain’s side, then disciplines them for their juvenile behavior.  As Mr. Page uses masculine force to show power, Ms. Neilson is like a cat, silently making her way into the minds of the recruits.  She is sly and has an agenda of her own.  She uses her signature comic timing to effectively embody this role.

The strong message of the play is to take action that gives your life meaning.  Since the recruits are all dying of consumption, they easily fall for that ruse.  It is not until they are on the train to Sarajevo to assassinate the Archduke, and inevitably start World War I, that they ask themselves another question that gives them pause.  Mr. Joseph examines this historic moment by simply asking an alternative question. 

Archduke is playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre through December 21.  It is a brilliant production.  It will make you think, but more importantly, it will make you question. 

Domenick Danza

Prosperous Fools

 Prosperous Fools
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
June 3, 2025

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In the new play, Prosperous Fools, Taylor Mac leaves no stone unturned in the examination of today’s political landscape and its effect on the arts.  The commentary is direct, but more importantly, the audience is left with questions, placing a spotlight on every participant in our present day society, and highlighting everyone’s role in its obliteration. 

The action of the play surrounds a gala performance of a new ballet, created by the Artist (played by Taylor Mac).  The Philantrhopoid (played by Jennifer Regan) is the Artistic Director of the dance company, willing to sell her soul and every element of the production to please the gala’s two wealthy honorees (played by Jason O’Connell and Sierra Boggess).  One is a despised capitalist oligarch, and the other a beloved sponsor of needy children.  Everything spins out of control as basic facts, creative expression, and philanthropic endeavors are manipulatively spun into fake news and absurd outcomes.  The Artist realizes they sold out and that the Intern (played by Kaliswa Brewster) is more deserving of praise than any of the artists or honorees. 

The full cast of Prosperous Fools
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Taylor Mac’s writing is exceptionally focused.  Even when expounding on minute details, the main point is always vividly clear.  During one scene, seven genres of humor are illustrated, defining how a message can be successfully communicated and for which demographic they are most suitable.  When the Artist addresses the audience at the conclusion of the show, they wear the hat of the fool.  This is most appropriate, based on how the message is to be heard.  The audience now learns forward, listening carefully to how to process the play.  This intellectualizes the full experience.  Answers to these questions are not provided, nor is the audience led to one specific message.  These questions are for the audience to ponder and discuss. The perspective of what we witness and experience in our daily life shifts, as we consider these questions through the lens of the absurd action of the play.  The big picture changes.  The responsibility of our individual choices becomes clear. 

Director Darko Tresnjak finds the right balance for this piece so the audience can hook into the humor and understand the metaphor.  The cast broadly plays the absurdity, but never goes too far over the top.  The choreography by Austin McCormick is stunning and clever. 

Prosperous Fools is playing at Theatre for a New Audience through June 29.  It is a riveting experience. 

Domenick Danza