An intriguing and provocative one-act play about a man in a coma, highlighted the second day of Arts and Care 2024 which took place Aug. 30-31 as a featured event of Ice House Tonight at Charles A. Brown Ice House 56 River St., Bethlehem.
The solidly-acted play that looked inside the mind of a comatose patient, was a satisfying conclusion to the two-day event which is in its second year and brought together the arts and wellness.
Also performing were jazz musician Allan Meyerson, visual artists Michael Freeman and Janel Macklin, and poets Jayna Bitler and Haven Simmons, in addition to the play performance.
Organizer Michael B. Judkins of Oct14 Entertainment, says he went through more than 60 plays before choosing “An Empty Chair” by California playwright Damien Darr to present during the event.
“I wanted to create an event that merges my two worlds of mental health and the creative arts,” says Judkins of Allentown. “I wanted to educate, focus on well-being and the feeling of expressive, creative arts in the same environment.“
Thomas W. Rush powerfully anchors the one-act drama as Kevin who has been in a serious car accident after a night of drinking, and that leaves him unresponsive with a severe brain injury.
Rush aptly conveys Kevin’s confusion and fear as he finds himself in a strange room with a solitary chair bearing the warning "Do Not Sit." Indeed, despite his efforts, he is unable to sit in the chair as Rush shows Kevin’s growing frustration and anguish as the play progresses and he struggles with his decisions.
The next scene in a hospital room, establishes that Kevin is in a coma after his accident and his doctor tells his shell-shocked wife Veronica to try to reach Kevin by talking to him.
When Veronica sits in the “Do Not Sit” chair, Kevin can see and hear her, but she is not aware of Kevin’s presence.
Syd Stauffer’s portrayal of Veronica is raw, at first numb and then guilt-ridden, as she unburdens herself to the unconscious Kevin, unaware he is listening to her every word.
Torez Mosley is astute and unabashed as Kevin’s doctor, who tells him he can choose to come out of his coma, if only he can come to terms with some painful revelations. But Mosley’s doctor expresses doubt that Kevin can face reality.
Brad Briddes, portrays Kevin’s brother Johnny as distant and dispassionate.
Young actor Liam Griffith exhibits the pain and desperation of Kevin’s 10-year-old son Joey in a heart-breaking performance.
However, as the grown up Joe who has long ago moved on, Phuong Tran is dismissive and nonchalant.
Director Gary Boyer keeps the scenes moving fluidly between the hospital room and Kevin’s mind.
"An Empty Chair" is a poignant and thought-provoking piece of theater that leaves audiences thinking about the meaning of consciousness, and the power of choice.