Rendering №6

The article published on the website of the newspaper “The New York Times” on March 12, 2013 is headlined “Showbiz Chimp on the Edge of Despair”. The article takes a critical view of the new play ‘Trevor’ at the Theater for the New City. Speaking of the production it is necessary to point out that “Trevor,” Nick Jones’s witty, sly play is inspired by the story of a Connecticut woman assaulted by a pet chimpanzee. In resolute terms the author of the article makes it clear that this oddly suspenseful play, staged by Moritz Von Stuelpnagel with a deadpan naturalism, has as its core the tight bond between Trevor and his owner, Sandra, played with steel and a glint of madness by Colleen Werthmann.

Analyzing the situation it is necessary to point out that a dominant theme of the play is the challenge of communication. The humans can’t understand what Trevor is saying, so they constantly misunderstand what he is thinking, leading to hostility. It’s an open secret that such crossed signals are the source of both the mounting tension and the comedy, since Trevor mistakes Animal Control for a television producer.

Giving appraisal to the situation it is necessary to emphasize that what makes this taut play at the Theater for the New City so impressive is not that it makes us understand and even like a dangerous ape, but that it does so while imagining him as an obnoxious jerk. In resolute terms the author of the article expresses the view that Steven Boyer, who wears overalls, walks with a long-armed bounce and speaks in normal English, plays the simian Trevor like a moody, self-regarding and deluded actor, but to be fair, though he did star in a commercial with Morgan Fairchild, but like many creatures of show business, he overestimates his own clout in the industry.

The author concludes by saying that Mr. Boyer delivers a charismatic, physically subtle performance that initially underplays the savage danger of his character. Besides, there is every reason to believe that it’s a risky choice because the play absolutely depends on the audience grasping the potential threat of a wild animal on the loose in our world. Nevertheless, there are signs that  by inviting us to see Trevor as more recognizably human, as opposed to a theatrical trick, he allows us to gain access to more universal fears. As for me, I agree with the author that when animals attack, we’re horrified, scared and also, let’s face it, fascinated. But at the same time it is rather intriguing to see the play which invites us to feel something else: empathy for the violent animal. So it’s a pity that I cannot watch “Trevor”.