That Hopey Changey Thing, the first in a mammoth cycle of four plays by Richard Nelson is a melting pot; a slice of American life which blends modern history, relationships, mythology and culture over the course of a family dinner.
Commissioned by The Public Theater New York, The Apple Family Plays are all written to be performed on a specific date – That Hopey Changey Thing was first performed on November 2nd 2010, the date of the mid-term elections.
Nelson introduces us to a cast of characters and we play detective to discover that they are siblings, drawn together as adults by the caring Barbara.
A boyfriend and an uncle with amnesia are the outsiders to this family tryst and hook the audience into the fast paced conversation.
The highly skilled actors move as if choreographed around the table and command the stage masterfully.
Political debate runs through the conversation – an examination of personal beliefs, political tactics and tribalism.
A play which is hypnotic and beguiling in its simplicity, with a balanced mix of offstage action and beautiful moments onstage keep the audience engrossed in this incredibly effective piece of naturalistic theatre, complete with a nod to Chekhov.
FOUR STARS
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