Review of The Swallow at Open Space Arts
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
The Swallow is now playing at Open Space Arts in Uptown, capturing the essence of the vibrant Chicago theater scene. Written by Spanish playwright Guillem Clua and translated into English by Tim Gutteridge, the play delves into deep themes of grief and the masks people wear to navigate their emotions. Directed by Laine Rogers, this two-hander features Michelle McKenzie Voight as Emily and Jim Nally as Ray.
Emily, a voice teacher, takes on Ray as a client who wishes to perform “The Swallow” at his mother’s memorial service. Through sharp, insightful dialogue, McKenzie-Voight portrays Emily as a no-nonsense figure, delivering biting remarks with the flair of a seasoned South Side mom. Their dynamic evolves as both characters grapple with the grief of sudden loss—Emily over her son Danny, a victim in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub, and Ray over his late mother.
The narrative crafts a poignant connection between the two, revealing shared histories and amplifying their emotional struggles. As the plot unfolds, tensions rise, with Ray questioning Emily’s authenticity in her grief and the implications of her loss in relation to the tragedy that took Danny from her. Nally’s portrayal of Ray offers a raw, heartfelt performance, slowly peeling back Emily’s stoic demeanor.
Throughout their exchanges, themes of shared experiences and ideologies surface. The play’s humor juxtaposes heavy grief, with both characters discovering connections between them that both comfort and challenge. Rogers’ directorial skill keeps dialogue taut, while Clua’s writing resonates with poetic authenticity.
The technical aspects of the production also deserve praise. Open Space Arts embodies the charm of a black box theater, while Rick Paul’s scenic design evokes a nostalgic atmosphere, filled with symbolic artifacts that resonate with the characters’ emotional journeys.
The Swallow runs for 90 minutes without an intermission, continuing until October 18, with performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM. The theater is located at 1411 West Wilson Ave. For tickets and additional information, please visit Open Space Arts.
For further details about this and other productions, check out theatreinchicago.com.
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