The idea that everything we do is pre-determined and we have no way to change our destinies can be scary. Some people wouldn’t even let such a thought enter their heads. These are the themes the latest Pocket Playhouse show, “Helpless,” tackles head on.
Written and directed by sophomore theater major Phillip Meyer, “Helpless” revolves around two people, Joseph and Allison, fated to fall in love, but not to stay together. During the play, which is more of a character study, the audience watches what the characters do in response to this realization.
The role of a young woman just falling in love is played refreshingly well by senior theater major Tasha Cyr. Her portrayal of Allison gives a personable window into how everyone behaves in that haze brought on by new emotions.
Joseph, played by freshman theater major Travis MacRitchie, doesn’t allow himself to get swept up in these emotions, having an unnatural distrust of what is happening between himself and Allison. The audience watches Joseph struggle with his suspicions and emotions. MacRitchie falls victim to some cliché acting devices with his portrayal of Joseph’s depression, but in his better moments, he forgets that he is depressed, and the audience gives a sympathetic sigh of relief for him.
Sympathy is about all the characters in the play can hope for as far as emotional attachment from the audience. The play, about 40 minutes long, suffers because of its length. The audience isn’t given enough time, or background, to empathize with the characters. Meyer admits that the reason for the play’s brevity is the difficulty of having two people carry a whole show, a valid reason, but perhaps a justification to expand the script.
To their credit, Cyr and MacRitchie do carry the show, but not as far as it could go. There isn’t a real chemistry in their relationship. This and other shortcomings of the play can be attributed to the short time in which it was put together. The entire show was cast and produced in less than three weeks. For students unable to work during the summer, this is the biggest problem the Pocket Playhouse can pose. It was especially difficult for first-time director Meyer, who could likely do better under the right circumstances.
The show is in good enough condition to be presented, but it isn’t top notch. What the play really offers is a spark that might take audience members somewhere in their own thinking about fate and time, independent of the action that unfolded on stage.
The play will be performed in the Pocket Playhouse today through Saturday at 5 p.m.