REVIEW: ‘Shhhh,’ a new play by Clare Barron, at Atlantic Theater Company
Photo: Shhhh stars, from left, Constance Shulman and Clare Barron, who is also the writer and director. Photo courtesy of Ahron R. Foster / Provided by BBB with permission.
NEW YORK — Clare Barron writes, directs and stars in the new play Shhhh, now playing on the second stage of the Atlantic Theater Company. The show is unconventional and a different experience than most theatrical ventures in New York City. Its narrative structure is episodic, with common themes emerging from the carefully-thought-out conversations among the characters. There’s an unpredictability on how the plot will move forward and how everything fits together, yet there’s no mistaking that Shhhh is endlessly engaging, even if startling and shocking.
Barron plays Shareen, a central character who doesn’t receive much of a backstory. From phone calls she takes, one can guess that she’s a struggling writer who has an undiagnosed medical problem that causes nose bleeds and other symptoms. She has a friend who stops by, Kyle (Greg Keller), but their relationship is never distinctly defined. The one constant in her life is her beloved sister, whose character name is Witchy Witch (Constance Shulman), a United States Postal Service worker who is considering a move to Salt Lake City. Witchy Witch does not like Kyle and has suspicions about his relationship with Shareen. Supporting work is also provided by Janice Amaya (Penny), Annie Fang (Sandra) and Nina Grollman (Francis).
Barron has a lot to say within these 100 minutes, with the dialogue always harrowing and telling. There’s also a lot to learn from watching how she directs a scene. For example, in one sequence, Francis and Sandra are talking at a table outside a pizzeria, while at the same time, Shareen sits nearby, silent and listening. As the conversation progresses into some serious terrain about these women’s interactions with men, Shareen remains on the periphery, glued to her spot as she listens in. She stares at the audience, tears welling up in her eyes, and then she starts eating red pepper flakes that cling to the tips of her fingers.
Another scene finds Witchy Witch sitting nearby as a scene between Shareen and Kyle plays out. This talking and simultaneous listening is an interesting structural device to layer the performance piece with added meaning and thoughtfulness, letting the audience experience the frank discussion about trauma and assault, while also having a window on how the messages are being received in real time.
Another scene finds Witchy Witch on a date with Penny. They decide to meet each other at a morbid curiosity museum, and they make a connection, with the promise of meeting again. Yet another scene is the highlight of the play: a conversation between Witchy Witch and Shareen, two sisters who might seem so different but have an enduring love for each other. Shareen is hit hard by the news of her sister leaving for Utah. They share their love by participating in a magical incantation and dance sequence set to the tune of Madonna.
Shhhh is not everyday theater, and that’s a good thing. Barron is a skilled writer, an exquisite director who uses every space in the unique basement environs of the Atlantic theater, and a subtle and believable actor who makes Shareen both real and authentic. There is humor in Shhhh, and the unexpectedness of the story keeps the audience guessing. But there’s also a darkness that pervades these scenes — a distressfulness of how normalized rape culture has become, of how relationships begin and break down, of how trauma impacts a life, of how sisters find commonality and shared love, of the uncertainty of everything and the inability to feel satisfied in life.
Yes, Barron’s play is not for everyone, but that’s fine, too. It’s refreshing to have a novel take on important subjects, brought to the audience’s attention by a unique structure, clever staging, winning performances, smart writing and an embrace of unconventionality. One will not be bored during these 100 minutes, even if they have to turn their head from time to time. Engagement is assured, especially for those patrons sitting on pillows near the stage.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Shhhh, written and directed by Clare Barron, stars Janice Amaya, Barron, Annie Fang, Nina Grollman, Greg Keller and Constance Shulman. Running time: 100 minutes. Plays through Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Atlantic Theater Company’s second stage. Click here for more information and tickets.
