Poor Eric Argyle. He
was just killed by a car as he crossed the street. Now he is in a holding area for the recently
departed, grilled by a tough-minded inquisitor, as key points in his life are reenacted
and examined. Why is Eric Argyle’s life
being analyzed and appraised? This is
the central question in the Irish theatrical company, 15th Oak’s
somewhat whimsical, slightly melancholy and, overall, finely acted production
of The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle, playing through September 29th
at the 59E59 Theater.
There were a number of key moments, pinpoints in time that
affected the course of significant decisions Argyle made during his
lifetime. At first, it is rather
confusing what these scenes have in common or why they are so important. It is a question Eric Argyle asks throughout
the show. Only towards the end of the 90
minute, intermission-less production do we have an idea of the reason behind
the probing inquiries and dissection around portions of his former life. We also have the answer to why an apparently
innocuous cellist, suddenly inundated with a delivery of 5,307 letters in the
middle of the night, is a crucial part of the story. Incorporating music and narrated prose, the
vignettes of Eric Argyle’s past, utilizing few props and costumes, are
portrayed by an engaging and talented ensemble cast of eight, many playing
multiple parts. Their seamlessness from
one scene to another as well as their total immersion in their roles is a real
hallmark of the production.
Playwright Ross Dungan has written a show that artfully veers
from reality to the imagined. He has
deftly conjured up a troupe of characters that, by play’s end, we comfortably
know and care about. Dialogue is mixed
with quick bursts of narration to good effect.
Director Dan Herd has transformed Dungan’s script into a
well-paced production. He has taken,
what could be described as a difficult concept, and transformed the
playwright’s words into an accomplished, thought-provoking piece of work. On the small 59E59 stage, the eight cast
members effortlessly and, just as importantly, comfortably glide from one role
to the next. There doesn’t seem like a
wasted motion or gesture for what could be described as a true ensemble effort.
The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle, an absorbing and
captivating theatrical experience, playing through September 29th at
the 59E59 Theater.
