How We’re Different from Animals
Reviewed by Julia Stier
ÉLAN Ensemble
Through March 24
RECOMMENDED
ÉLAN Ensemble makes a stunning debut with its inaugural production, How We’re Different from Animals. Directed with effective precision by Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx, this devised theatre piece is based on the short stories of Miranda July, specifically her collection of shorts, No One Belongs Here More Than You. The product of three years of workshopping, its various scenes all express sentiments of love and loneliness.
Julián Juaquín opens with a lesson on romance in which he proclaims that human beings are romantic creatures. The next scene, inspired by “How to Tell Stories to Children,” focuses on Deb (Danielle Reynolds), and the coming together and then falling apart of her motherly relationship with her best friend’s daughter, Lion (Tarah Pollock). Next, a couple (Juaquín and Elmira Rahim) after working together for the first time as background artists on a film realize it’s time to end their 7-year relationship. In the following story, a middle-aged man (Adam Lebowitz-Lockard) obsesses over his co-worker’s elusive sister, falling in love with the idea of her. And finally, in a scene inspired by “The Shared Patio,” a woman (Pollock) idealizes her neighbor (Juaquín) but fails him when he needs her most.
This is truly an ensemble piece. In each scene, the company works as a whole to support the narrative, utilizing precise movements and sounds. Many times the actors will act out — or create a physical representation — of what the focal character is talking about. This keeps the production visually interesting, as most of the scenes are essentially one long monologue. Reynolds and Lebowitz-Lockard are particularly good in the sequences they lead. Reynolds is light and lovable as Deb but more captivating to watch when the intense feelings of loneliness and disappointment she’s been harboring seep out. Lebowitz-Lockard has a natural buoyancy to him, which makes his scenes seem effortlessly comedic.
Rather hypnotic music (John Zalewski) serves as the soundtrack for most of the production and helps capture and keep the audience’s attention. Costume pieces (Melanie Fairchild) are suspended on the sides of the stage, and each piece of clothing hints at a change in character.
How We’re Different from Animals is a compelling and innovative piece that realizes the potential of devised theatre. While many such shows fall into the trap of trying to cover too much, or express things too metaphorically, How We’re Different from Animals has a clear point of view and narrative, and is excellently executed.
Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through Mar. 24. www.elanensemble.com. Running time: 85 minutes with no intermission.
