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The concept of a tense family dinner has long been a common theme in American realism, seen in various plays and productions such as Tracy Letts’s August: Osage County, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s Purpose, Stephen Karam’s The Humans, and George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s You Can’t Take It With You. Recently, Windy City Playhouse even staged a popular immersive production centered around a drunken cocktail party setting.
One of the latest additions to this genre is “Field of Flesh,” a devised piece created and directed by Derek Spencer, offering a unique spin on the dysfunctional family gathering narrative. The production takes place in the new Humboldt Park gallery, Leisure, where a cast of seven leads a nightly audience of twelve through a family dinner setting.
The experience begins with guests being handed objects that serve as markers for the characters they will embody within the family dynamic. Each audience member is given a specific item that reflects a particular role within the family. For example, one guest was handed a blender bottle, symbolizing a family member with a large social media following as a fitness guru. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement for the audience, setting the stage for an immersive and intimate experience.
Throughout the 70-minute performance, the family dinner is repeatedly delayed, creating tension and anticipation among the guests. While no actual food is served, beverages like wine are available for the audience. The cast engages in toasts that serve as confessions, slam poems, and gossip, offering glimpses into the characters’ personal lives and relationships. The performance is staged around a long table adorned with a mix of eclectic props and set pieces, creating a visually captivating atmosphere.
One standout moment in the production involves the character of the grandfather, portrayed by Brian Shaw. Audience members are invited to interact with him in a small cubby off the main dining room, where he shares poignant reflections on his own decline and the lack of communication within the family. This intimate exchange highlights the emotional depth and complexity of the characters, drawing the audience further into the narrative.
“Field of Flesh” challenges traditional notions of the dysfunctional family dinner trope by breaking down the fourth wall and inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationships and connections. The ensemble, which includes Nigel Brown, Carmia Imani, Mackenzie Jones, Katie Mazzini, Elijah Valter, and Austin Winter, delivers a performance that is both sardonic and poignant, offering a multifaceted exploration of family dynamics and interpersonal connections.
Overall, “Field of Flesh” offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional theater and invites audiences to consider their place at the larger metaphorical table of life. Through its innovative storytelling and interactive elements, the production challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationships, identities, and perceptions of family dynamics.
