Could there be as many ways to react to this crazy pandemic as there are people enduring it? Over the winter, a survey asking how people were negotiating both the physical world and the digital universe during Covid generated a dizzying array of responses. Writer Karissa Murrell Myers used a big fistful of them to weave a series of beautifully revealing stories. A cross between a play and an independent film, Chicago’s Strawdog Theater is now presenting Myers’ How Do We Navigate Space? as the theater’s latest addition to its all virtual season.
Looking back at the flood of reactions the performance tackled, it’s impossible to say what feeling rises to the top as the most gratifying. Don’t be surprised to catch of glimpse of yourself in many of the lean story capsules. Each one validates that sense of uncertainty that’s been the defining feature of the past year. As much as we may understand Covid’s challenges impact us all, it’s a relief to realize other people are responding to Covid’s somber valleys in the same way that you may be. That knowledge highlights an inescapable connection we all share.
Arranged in a series of themed vignettes, How Do We Navigate Space? moves with a graceful flow as it explores the many emotions the past 12 months have brought to the surface. Many of them are familiar. The restlessness caused by not being able to do all the things that give us joy. The torment of not being able to laugh uninhibitedly with a group of friends or family. Other reactions may not be as easy to confront but could very well be just as relatable. Surrendering to forces that drain your spiritual energy; leaving you sapped and barely able to function. Praying the virus visit anybody else’s family other than your own.
Six actors, appearing alone in most of the segments, invite us into lives trying to make sense of and cope with an unwanted reality. Often, they don’t speak directly into the camera and we simply hear their thoughts via voice over as they move through private and public spaces. We’re hearing what they think and how they’re processing the cloistered existence we’ve all been forced into. Unbound by the confines of a conventional stage, How Do We Navigate Space? also takes to the streets and happens in apartments. In that sense, it’s a hybrid of our times, redefining where storytelling’s done and making theater cinematic in the process.
Using characteristics of film, the unorthodox format invigorates and stimulates the way you absorb theater. Chicago, as a backdrop, takes on its own personality. It’s the city we recognize but can hardly believe it’s the same Chicago because of the fresh perspectives we’re treated to. An eagle eye view of Wacker Drive that’s action movie beautiful. Or following characters through snow covered parks and along winter streets that retain their ambiguity but seem so familiar we can almost name them.
Because each of the stories are so concentrated, the storytellers themselves take on more importance. The tone, weight and shadings of their voices often can mean as much as what they say. Watching and listening to Terri Lynn Hudson lament the loss of one of the things that gave her so much pre-pandemic pleasure, lipstick and how she relished the power she felt wearing it, was surprising, personal and touching. And it was a reminder that the smallest of things can carry startling importance. Blessed with a voice that sings with resonant confidence and self-possession, Hudson’s speaking cadence is addictive. An uncanny truthfulness shines through each of the stories she fills. In “I Didn’t Go”, she confesses her guilt about not being able to join in on street demonstrations protesting the killing of George Floyd because of her compromised health. Combined with sensitive and powerful writing, Hudson’s delivery holds you in a relentless grip of empathy, understanding and vivid recall.
Some people have confessed, almost guiltily, that this prolonged pause has been great. With no worries about housing, employment or money; it’s been an opportunity to strengthen bonds with immediate family, revel in commute-free trips to work and indulge in long intimate walks with the other half. Even though he appeared free of a partner, one of the characters portrayed by Erik Strebig enjoyed that kind of serene isolation. Lockdown has been a change to focus on and pamper number one with home centered spas and elaborate hand care. Guilt was as alien as an extraterrestrial. And in this case, a hoot to watch.
Denise Yvette Serna directed the piece but How Do We Navigate Space? was devised collaboratively with many of those performing in the play also contributing to its structure and makeup. The approach created a wonderful work of art that in addition to holding a relentless appeal to both the heart and mind, showed how important it is to “Help Each Other”.
How Do We Navigate Space?
Through April 18th, 2021
Strawdog Theater