Split Knuckle Theatre
Presents

ENDURANCE

By Rick Ryan

Directed by Ari Laura Kreith
Costume Designer: Lucy Brown
Lighting Designer: Dan Rousseau
Music: Ken Clark
Dramaturg: Dassia Posner
Stage Manager: Carmen A. Torres

Featuring: Jason Bohon, Andrew Grusetskie, Christopher Hirsh, Greg Webster


Long Wharf Theatre
222 Sargent Drive
New Haven, CT
Through June 29, 2014
www.longwharf.org, 203.787.4282
https://www.longwharf.org/peo/default.asp



Four guys in monkey suits are sweating their jobs during the 2008 market crash. They have endless stacks of insurance claims to process, with a diminished workforce, in an impossibly short time. The same four actors create a play in parallel with the famed Shackleton Expedition, of survival in frozen lands for an impossibly long time. Both scenarios focus on leaders trying to save their crews on sinking ships. This is all orchestrated admirably with very limited props. Rather, the scenes are filled with choreographed moves, sound effects imparted by the actors, make-believe contraptions and interesting song selections (a few performed harmoniously by the actors).

As the new office manager reads Shackleton’s book, “The Endurance”, he is inspired to overcome the challenges his men face and to become a leader in his own right. The beleaguered office workers regain their sense of purpose and get the job done regardless of what may come, just like Shackleton’s men. The play alternates between the difficulties both leaders must face as they try to motivate their disheartened crews with limited resources under dire circumstances. Unfortunately, the “Credit Tsunami” proved more merciless than being stranded interminably on ice floes.

This heroic play is both serious and hilarious. The playwright cleverly interweaves the analogous plots, while the actors switch back and forth between characters and scenarios with ease and humor. This is a talented company and the actors are a treat to watch. Get to New Haven to see this show. If not, let’s hope this show is produced in New York City.

Gloria Talamas