Locked Ward
by Amy Crider
Directed by Phil Gill
First Run Theatre
August 14, 2022
Uche Ijei, Ethan Isaac
Photo: First Run Theatre
The title of First Run Theatre’s latest production, Locked Ward, is fairly straightforward, since it takes place in a locked ward at a psychiatric hospital. Still, there’s more to this story than its initial premise, with its clearly defined characters and an intriguing degree of mystery that works on several different levels. Currently on stage at the Kranzberg Black Box, this production is brought to life by a fine cast and simple but effective production values.
The story, inspired by the playwright’s personal experience, takes place in a psychiatric ward inhabited by a variety of patients who are there for different reasons. Although it’s essentially an ensemble piece, the biggest focus appears to be on Glen (Ethan Isaac), a former police officer and recovering drug addict who doesn’t quite trust the insights and advice of psychiatrist Dr. Blumenthal (Jaz Tucker). Glen is convinced he knows what his problem is, but the doctor wants to explore additional possibilities, making Glen uncomfortable and suspicious. Glen enters the ward to join the “regulars” who all have strong, distinct personalities–there’s the rigidly programmatic Franklin (Duncan Phillips), who is most comfortable with a strict routine and whose role model is Star Trek‘s Mr. Spock. There’s also Vladimir (Stephen Thompson Sr.), a Russian immigrant who wants to get out of the hospital so he make a fresh start in life, but who resists taking his meds and distrusts the establishment; and Jill (Jalani Hale), an intelligent but insecure aspiring doctoral student in art history, who has a crush on the doctor and endures regular ECT treatments that effect her memory. The newest patient besides Glen is Eleanor (Uche Ijei), who is only there for a short time under observation while she tries out a new medication to treat her depression. She and Glen form something of a bond as a new mystery unfolds–a well-liked nurse dies suddenly, and the patients try to figure out what happened.
The biggest strengths of this play are the relationships between the characters and the unfolding mystery plot, as the characters try to figure out what’s happening and the medical staff urge them not to get too involved. The playwright does an excellent job of portraying the mystery on a few different levels, exploring the patients’ perspective as well as challenging the audience to wonder who to believe and what to think. The characters’ interactions are also richly portrayed, as conflicts are explored, bonds are made, and characters challenge and encourage one another. There’s no sensationalism here, either, which is also a strength, and the actors portray the disparate personalities with clarity and energy, and a good deal of ensemble chemistry.
The whole cast is strong, with convincing performances from Isaac as the conflicted, stubborn Glen, Ijei as the kindhearted Eleanor, Hale as the weary, self-doubting Jill, Thompson as the opinionated Vladimir, Phillips as the determinedly regimented Franklin, and Tucker as the enigmatic Dr. Blumenthal. Special mention should go to stage manager Gwynneth Rausch, who stepped in on short notice in the role of occupational therapist Linda, with the principal performer (Lillie Weber) out due to illness. All of the players work together to portray a credibly realistic situation with occasional elements of mystery.
The production values here aren’t flashy, but work well for the story. The basic set by Brad Slavik and atmospheric lighting by Tony Anselmo serve the plot well. In terms of pacing, there were a few too many blackout scenes that could be jarring at times, and sometimes the tone could be overly relaxed, but for the most part the storytelling is effective, especially when focusing on the characters’ relationships. This play does deal with the subject of mental illness and many of the struggles that go with that topic, so appropriate warnings were given in the pre-show announcements. Overall, Locked Ward is a compelling look at a world many people don’t get to see, with convincing and sympathetic characters and situations. It’s a promising new play as presented by First Run Theatre.
Image: First Run Theatre
First Run Theatre is presenting Locked Ward at the Kranzberg Black Box Theatre until August 21, 2022
