The tradition of friends gathering together is something that most can agree is a long-standing tradition. But in modern times, table conversation can often occur with faces staring down in our phones, missing the glow of why table dialogue with friends is the thing that we should not lose.
So it is with much encouragement that a contemporary play, “
At the Table,” arrives at Actors' Theatre Grand Rapids. This new work is perfectly suited for our time as much of what we see on stage is easily recognizable to the audience.
Playwright Michael Perlman’s "At the Table" is a comedic drama that asks of the audience: what happens when those with privilege are pushed to the periphery and a marginalized minority suddenly finds its voice amplified in this intimate crowd?
The play goes on to explore boundary-pushing matters like who is allowed to discuss certain topics. It is a play that is certain to create some anxiety, too, as the actors on stage pull us into their journey.
The play has all the fixtures of a good drama with six friends who, away from the noise of the city, head out to an annual retreat for the weekend. With no social media, no cell phones, no internet allowed, these friends must do what we’ve always done before technology robbed us of our attention spans: we talk to each other with our gaze uninterrupted by technology.
And just like I am sure some of your parties, when the liquor starts to flow, you never know what is going to come out of someone’s mouth, this is a topical play that is sure to challenge our views of our national identity.
This is the final weekend of “At the Table," so do not delay if you are so inclined to seek thought-provoking theatrical experiences.