FEN

Fen is an old Anglo-Saxon term that describes a family that lives near a marsh or swamp. Written by British playwright Caryl Churchill and directed by Vanessa Stalling, Fen tells a story about female tenants and the haunting spirit of the women who once lived and farmed the land.

Escapism is the central theme of this play as many of these women are like indentured servants who live in impoverished situations, trapped within a company structure that doesn't allow them to mentally, psychically, and financially survive. They want to feel free from living a nonexistent, miserable life where nobody seems to understand or even recognize they exist. Some use religion as a coping mechanism and empathy within their sisterhood of grief as a solace against their pain. Yet, all the characters have unique stories of trauma and triumph. Still, this mysteriously tantalizing play is more about people and how they are treated and affected by the land and their environment.

As you enter Court Theatre, the three-dimensional surface setting is designed as a multiple-stage dirt-like marsh where the workers tend the field. Unfortunately, there was a lot of accumulating dust, which hopefully Court will fix instead of cautioning audiences to wear their mask. Following Val's story, she escapes by fleeing from her husband and children and begins an illicit affair with a local farm laborer named Frank, causing a problematic relationship between her and the daughters, who feel abandoned and neglected. Her solution to rid her of her misery was to have Frank kill her.

Playwright Caryl Lesley Churchill, considered one of the most successful and best-known socialist-feminist playwrights, is known for her astonishing theatrical imagery and realistic and vivid portrayal of power, exploration, and feminist themes makes Fen a powerful element of authenticity. In addition, she is known for her inventive style of having two characters talking simultaneously with overlapping dialog. Churchill's creative method of playing with time and casting brings the audience into the character's role.

And kudos to the actors Alex Goodrich, Lizzie Bourne, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Morgan Lavenstein, and Genevieve VenJohnson for remembering up to four characters—still, this production was more depressingly dark and disconnected from Churchill's gripping storyline.

Director Vanessa Stalling fresh perspective on the path-breaking storyline was more like disjointed snippets and skits with no transactional movements, making it somewhat confusing. In addition, the play lacks the powerful grief or the women's united passion for survival, possibly due to cast members playing multiple parts—not allowing the audience to connect with the anguish of any one character.

Fen's dirt podium is a daunting reminder of these women's grievous livelihood of inescapable manual labor, which can overwhelm its audience. Still, this production doesn't have its original play's magnanimous and moving influence.

Let's Play Theatrical Review Somewhat Recommends Fen at The Court Theatre.

Court Theatre

FEN

By Caryl Churchill

Directed by Vanessa Stalling

Feb 10 - Mar 5, 2023