Alan and Annette Raleigh and Michael and Veronica Novak have come together to resolve an incident between their two sons: Henry and Ben. It seems Ben hit Henry in the mouth with a stick, when he called Ben “a snitch.” Veronica’s arranged this meeting to settle the particulars, and reach a civilized agreement. Everyone is gracious at the outset, commenting on the calla lilies, the pastry, the regrettable encounter. In a moment of metaphoric stage action, Annette, upset by an eruption of truculence, gets sick on a rare book of art history. Civilization is no match for the chaos of battle.
It doesn’t take a psychic to surmise that four adults, expected to behave like grownups, will go sideways fairly soon. After all, theatrical friction never came from people playing nice. Despite an encouraging start, the Raleighs and Novaks find their plans for an amicable treaty gradually deteriorating. Should the parents be there when Ben and Henry meet? Is Ben the only culpable party? Are boys just naturally prone to brutality? The charitable gathering turns to comic exchange. Then, things take a dark tone. There are recriminations, personal attacks, oversteps.
Playwright Yasmina Reza has (at the end of the day) fashioned an allegory on the ugliness of violence. Altruism versus self-interest. Spirituality versus the visceral. God of Carnage is a cunning drama that masquerades as humor. The characters act out (if you will) the contradictions and perils that come with fixing any loaded issue. Such as protecting our sons. And the compulsive (if unconscious) need to train warriors in a world that would gobble them up. Our need to be the best humans we can is at odds with the impulse to fight or get the hell out. God of Carnage blindsides us with a 180. We drop our guard and get cozy with humor, before we see how vicious conflict can get.
The remarkable cast: Joe Barr (Alan Raleigh) Molly Bower (Veronica Novak) Kevin Moriarty (Michael Novak) Megan Tormey (Annette Raleigh) under the keen eye of director Jennifer Stephens Stubbs, have proven their chops for tumultuous, nuanced, unnerving and wonderfully entertaining performance. One can only imagine the rigorous, challenging and dedicated work behind such a glorious production. This is theatre gone haywire. And it’s amazing.
Allen Contemporary Theatre presents: God of Carnage, playing January 28th-February 13th, 2022. 1200 East Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002. 844-822-8489. www.allencontemporarytheatre.net