Exploring the Depths of Existential Angst in "Little Bear Ridge Road"
In the world premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's "Little Bear Ridge Road" at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, the audience is taken on a captivating journey through the lives of two estranged family members, Sarah and Ethan Fernsby. Though the play's pacing may seem slow, it is packed with a lifetime's worth of riveting existential angst, driven by the stunning performances of Steppenwolf ensemble member Laurie Metcalf and Micah Stock.
Uncovering the Complexities of Familial Bonds and Isolation
Estranged Aunt and Nephew Confront the Past
The play centers around Sarah, a reclusive sixty-something nurse who has retreated to the most remote corners of rural Idaho, and Ethan, her gay writer nephew in his 30s who has come to sell the house of his recently deceased, estranged father. Their initial encounter, marked by the awkwardness of pandemic-related measures like Ethan's mask-wearing, sets the stage for a complex exploration of their strained relationship.
Navigating the Emotional Void
The physical distance between Sarah and Ethan is palpably reflected in the set design, which features a taupe power recliner couch on a large circle of cream-colored carpet, rotating upstage as needed. The sparse, void-like setting serves as a metaphor for the emotional distance that has grown between the two characters over the years, as they grapple with the past and present, occasionally erupting into rage that exposes the pain and regret beneath the surface.
Stuck in Emotional Stagnation
Ethan's original intention to stay for a couple of weeks turns into a two-year stay at Sarah's, as the two find themselves stuck in a cycle of emotional stagnation. While they escape into television shows and quarrel about the past, they also discover misconceptions about each other, sometimes in humorous ways. Both characters are emotionally paralyzed, using the other as an excuse for not making changes in their lives.
Tentative Friendship Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Ethan's only respite from his deep malaise comes in the form of a tentative romantic relationship with James, a confident and well-adjusted grad student studying astrophysics. However, Ethan's insecurities lead him to sabotage the affair, accusing James of being privileged. The most promising development in the play is the tentative friendship that forms between Sarah and James, as they both care about Ethan and his well-being.
A Bleak Outlook with Glimmers of Possibility
Under Joe Mantello's taut direction, "Little Bear Ridge Road" keeps the audience's attention through twists and turns that sometimes hold out hope for the future. However, the play ultimately presents a bleak outlook, with Ethan taking only a small step forward in his journey, and Sarah's future remaining uncertain. This is one of the most depressing plays of the season, but its powerful exploration of existential angst and the complexities of human relationships make it a must-see for those seeking a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
