The Rhythm of Drama: Fosse’s Emphasis on Pause
In his Nobel acceptance speech, Jon Fosse revealed that the word "pause" is the most crucial and frequently used term in his dramatic work. For Fosse, a pause is not just a moment of silence; it is a deliberate, carefully crafted element that shapes the rhythm of his plays. In "Night Sings Its Songs," this concept is evident. The script is filled with detailed stage directions and numerous requests for pauses—long, short, or simply pauses—without any punctuation. This approach creates a musical quality, where the repetition of motifs resembles the ostinatos in minimalist music. Fosse’s plays demand a pacing that is almost hypnotic, drawing the audience into a state of entranced fascination.
The Struggle to Capture Fosse’s Vision
Jerry Heymann’s production of "Night Sings Its Songs" falls short of capturing the unique rhythm that Fosse’s work requires. Instead of embracing the play’s unconventional pacing, the production leans into a naturalistic approach that often clashes with the text. This disconnect prevents the play from achieving the entranced state it aims for and instead results in a disjointed experience. The inability to settle into the play’s required groove is a significant misstep, as Fosse’s work thrives on its ability to create a sense of musicality and repetition. Without this rhythm, the production struggles to convey the emotional depth and complexity that the play demands.
The Cast and the Challenges of Timing
The casting of the play also presents some challenges. Cameron and Lynskey, the leads, come across as slightly older than their roles call for. This mismatch is particularly noticeable in a scene where the Young Man’s parents, played by Steven Rattazzi and Jenny Allen, visit. The age discrepancy undermines the dynamics of the scene and affects the overall credibility of the characters’ interactions. While this is not the only issue with the production, it highlights the importance of casting in bringing Fosse’s work to life. The actors’ performances must align with the text’s demands, and any misstep can disrupt the delicate balance of the play.
The Play’s Dark Undercurrents and Audience Reactions
Beneath its surface, "Night Sings Its Songs" is a drama of domestic implosion, but it cannot be staged as a straightforward domestic drama. The main protagonists are consumed by their neuroses and acrimony toward each other, rendering them powerless against their own destructive feelings. Baste, played by Ken King, serves as an external observer, offering a third-party perspective on the unraveling of the relationship. As the play progresses toward its seemingly inevitable conclusion, the audience is meant to feel a growing sense of horror or anxiety. However, during the performance, the tension was often disrupted by loud, distracting laughter from the audience.
The Audience’s Inappropriate Reactions
The inappropriate laughter during the performance is part of a larger phenomenon observed in both theater and film. Audiences often react with laughter or discomfort when confronted with something unconventional or challenging, especially when it deviates from traditional narrative or aesthetic norms. Fosse’s work requires a willingness to embrace a different pacing and approach, one that can lead to profound emotional payoffs. Unfortunately, it seems that many audience members are not yet ready to fully engage with this kind of theater. The laughter during the performance of "Night Sings Its Songs" reflects a broader cultural resistance to embracing the unknown or the unconventional in art.
The Importance of Fosse’s Work and Its Challenges
"Nights Sings Its Songs" is a play that demands attention and patience from its audience. It is not a straightforward drama but rather a deeply nuanced exploration of human psychology and relationships. Fosse’s emphasis on pause and rhythm creates a unique theatrical experience that can be both unsettling and rewarding. However, productions like Jerry Heymann’s remind us of how challenging it is to bring Fosse’s vision to the stage. The play’s musicality, the cast’s alignment with their roles, and the audience’s willingness to engage with its unconventional style all play a crucial role in its success or failure.
"Nights Sings Its Songs" runs through March 1 at Theater Row, Manhattan. For tickets, visit newlighttheaterproject.com. Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes.
