A peaceful celebration in rural Wyoming turns into heated discussions and unearthing secrets in Will Arberty’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning. Philip Akin directs this poignant production in a way that makes it a vibrant experience. Heroes of the Fourth Turning is certainly turning over and over in my head; it left me with plenty of questions while also confirming my strength in my own belief systems. This thought-provoking play is certainly one you’ll be mulling over long after the lights go down.
Heroes of the Fourth Turning details an evening of conversations amongst friends and former students of Transfiguration College in Wyoming. They’ve come together as Emily’s mother Gina, a long time professor there, is being made President of the college. Emily suffers from Chronic Pain, and we witness her struggles throughout the play, while Kevin, Justin, and Teresa struggle with their own inner demons. Through their heart-to-hearts, we learn that they are all Catholic, with strong ties to their faith and Conservatism. However, the more they talk with one another, the less sure everyone seems to become in their initially unshakeable values.
I have to admit, it took me a long while to get into this play. The views the characters express are so diametrically opposed to my own, it was hard to listen to at times. There were certainly several moments where a quiet “oh wow” escaped from me as they expounded their ultra right-wing views. As the play went on, and especially after Gina appears on stage, I understood more and more how this is exactly what Arbery must be going for; for us to see these views being discussed as we would discuss our views of them. But he allows us to not particularly have any affinity for one character or another, which gives us permission to study and scrutinize them, and their opinions, as we go.
Wes Babcock’s set design for Heroes of the Fourth Turning was elegant in its simplicity. I loved how the set takes up the whole side of the room, forcing the audience to walk through the set to get to their seats. I immediately noted the smell of the fresh wood and mulch on stage, giving it a naturally earthy tone and making me long for summer nights by the campfire.
The cast of Heroes of the Fourth Turning makes this production the stellar success it is; their performances are impeccable. Cameron Laurie is fantastic as Kevin; his inner turmoil is so perfectly expressed by Laurie, making him one of the few characters you can sympathize with. Mac Fyfe’s Justin acts as a foil to Laurie’s Kevin and the two men could not be more opposite. Fyfe has a quiet command of the stage – a formidable force if I’ve ever seen one. Ruth Goodwin gives an impressive performance as Teresa; I don’t think I have ever so immediately disliked a character in a play before. However, that means that Goodwin is excellent at her job! She gives all of the attitude and confidence expected from that level of right-wing supporter. Maria Ricossa’s Gina is the elegant voice of wisdom and sanity in an otherwise uncomfortable conversation. Ricossa’s grace and ease come through every moment she’s on stage. Finally, Hallie Seline delivers a min-blowing performance as Emily. Her final monologue of the play left me shaking, just absolutely terrified, and yet throughout the play she’s the only character who I could empathize with at all.
Heroes of the Fourth Turning is definitely a piece that’ll leave you thinking; in fact, bring a friend so that you can de-brief afterwards. The impressive performances and intimate space make it an unforgettable experience. Catch it at the Studio Theatre at Streetcar Crow’s Nest until October 29th. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/heroesfourthturning
Cover photo by Dahlia Katz.
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