Lorenzo Sarinana and Sam Gilstrap in Heads
Political drama is not a very common topic for a stage play. Perhaps it is because people do not usually want to sit in a theatre and be attacked with political messages and hidden agendas, or perhaps it is because political issues change often enough that they don’t make for a timeless enough script. Or maybe it is just that theatre companies don’t traditionally have the guts to tackle these types of subjects. Whatever the reason, when I saw that And Toto Too Theatre Company would be putting up a show titled Heads, about 4 people that are held hostage in Iraq, I was weary of the political message. However, Heads is absolutely NOT a political show. It is a play about the human capacity to survive in the most horrid and terrifying conditions. The politics of it all – well that’s not the point.
Heads opens with the 2 prisoner cells – one on each side of the stage. At stage left, we meet Michael Apres and Jack Velasquez. Michael is the young, idealistic journalist while Jack is a more seasoned and jaded photographer. Stage right holds Harold Wolfe, a prisoner that has been in the Iraq camp for several months. He is then joined by Caroline Conway, a British Embassy worker. In each cell, the strangers find ways to cope with their circumstances, each dealing with this extreme and terrifying situation in their own unique ways. The end of act one brings with it the threat that one person in each cell will be killed by beheading, and each person then must figure out what to do to survive.
Written by EM Lewis and directed by Susan Lyles, Heads is a tragic and poignant look at the human spirit. As Jack, Sam Gilstrap is headstrong and fully entrenched with his commitment to survival. He becomes somewhat of a leader to the younger and more naive Michael, played by Lorenzo Sarinana. While Sarinana’s portrayal of Michael seemed to start off a bit too calm (who would be calm after being blindfolded and thrown into a prisoner cell,) he certainly built up to the terror and fear that anyone in that situation must have felt. Together the pair work very well, playing off each other’s strengths and building to the emotional arc that would be a challenge for the most seasoned of actors. Yet Gilstrap and Sarinana handle the challenge magnificently.
Across the stage, Wade P. Wood and Paige L. Larson struggle with their own stories as Harold and Caroline. Wood is calm, warm, and seasoned with a tragic energy that says “I’ve accepted my fate.” Larson’s portrayal of the British Caroline is a bright spot on a very dark and tense stage. Larson attempts to connect with Wood, struggling to figure things out and survive while Wood has accepted what is coming and doesn’t immediately welcome any newcomer to his cell. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. The human need for companionship triumphs as Wood opens up and begins to care and be supportive for Larson. The two end up being an incredible support system for each other, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The tension in this play is built with precision. A simple set, almost completely silent at all times, with simple overhead lighting add to the dark and tense atmosphere that is so exquisitely crafted by director Susan Lyles. The production is further carried by the talents of the four very strong actors. Several days after I’d seen this show, I am still haunted by the images that played out on the intimate Denver Victorian stage. The mood is further punctuated with the help of two video screens that sit center stage. Film clips of actual hostage situations play, mixed with other film footage – making for a very haunting and dramatic effect.
Heads is not easy to watch. The material is difficult, terrifying, and often heart wrenching – and this is the point. If you are looking for an evening of theatre that will get you thinking, that will leave an indelible impression long after the show has ended, and that will move you to tears – then this is for you. You have 3 more chances to catch this show – they close this Thursday the 29th. In a season filled with bright musicals and silly comedies – Heads is a welcome, intelligent, and moving drama that is a must see.
And Toto Too Theatre Company Presents:
Heads by EM Lewis
Through October 29
performances at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
At the Denver Victorian Playhouse
4201 Hooker Street in Denver.
Purchase tickets at 303-433-4343
Or on-line
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