Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

Cincinnatti

   Anyone who has lived for some time in our city has encountered certain of our denizens who, when their space is neared(read invaded)launch verbal attacks, threats of retribution and sexual insults. See them on a number of occasions, and one gets to know the demons that inhabit their minds.

In Cincinnati, Don Nigro's masterful rendering of a mind unmooring, we encounter Susan, a professor of literature who has come to class at the moment of meltdown. Solipsistically certain that we can only know ourselves, Professor Susan, pointedly portrayed by Nancy Walsh, describes her interactions with colleagues, bureaucrats, strangers that give vent to her odious demons, releasing them like "vomit" heretofore hermetically sealed. Embarrassingly, this upchuck is entirely recognizable but for its intensity and we can have a good laugh at our own expense.

Plays by Don Nigro often present a reverberating maze of imagery and Cincinnati is no exception. The direction here, however, is exceptional. With considerable clarity, John Clancy firmly leads us by the thread of Susan's quest for truth, with Nancy Walsh, inhabiting the twists and turns to ....The answer is forthcoming.

As a study in psychosis alone Cincinnati qualifies for entry in NEUROfest. Moreover, the lead actress, Nancy Walsh, had at one time, suffered from aphasia (subject for another play) resulting from the removal of a brain tumor.

There is a remarkable dimension to a grouping of plays based on unusual conditions of the brain. I've seen three and I'm going back for more.

C.J.D. Pastiche

3 parts real science

1 part philosophy

1 part political commentary

2 parts culture wars (not star wars)

1 part silly singing and dancing

1 sad story

The above recipe was created and performed by James Jordan, dramatist cum neurology resident physician in conjunction with NEURO -fest and the Untitled Theater Company#61.

C.J.D. is the story of a neurodegenerative disease and Mr. Small, one of its victims, who is in the rapidly progressing and devastating late stages. The patient's decline, which structures the piece, is horridly interesting as the proteins of the brain mutate and turn on themselves.

Dr. Jordan jumps from patient story to humourous commentary on drug-company self testing, diagnosis-by-video of Terry Schiavo, limitations on stem cell research, alternative medicine, Darwin, creationism and intelligent design - all our own forms of irrationality or dementia.

On the science, Dr. Jordan shines: he is smart,interesting and fully invested He is a little less so, as a song and dance man, but he has a good time and so do we.

Except for the matter of Mr. Small.