UNM student and playwright Susan Erickson’s production of “Good Grief” is an unconventional meditation on relationships and death, which conveys a mystical atmosphere with live music and dance.
Erickson, a Master of Fine Arts student, was inspired by the Blackfoot, Siksika creation legend, “The Origin of Death.” The play focuses on the First Man, played by Kelly Byars, and the First Woman, played by Reiko Yazzie. As they struggle to create a perfect planet — one that has all creatures living in harmony. However, when it comes to the issue of death, the first couple is perplexed. The First Man wishes death to be a temporary state, while the First Woman, in an attempt to overpower her husband, makes death a permanent fixture, and the First Daughter, played by Sabina Zuniga, is subjected to their battle.
Juxtaposed to the first couple is a modern-day couple, Sarah, played by Rhiannon Nix, and Toby, played by Michael Baldonado, along with Sarah’s brother, Jake, played by Luke Higgins. Toby and Sarah struggle through commitment and communication issues, while Jake, unbeknownst to Sarah, is killed.
As Sarah learns about Jake’s death, she is drawn into the ancient world of the First Man and First Woman by the magical Ghost Council, portrayed by Lisa Nevada, Page Bancroft, Tim Schettino and Crystal Massoth. The Council delineates the varying mood of the scene like a Greek chorus.
As the play progresses, the First Daughter is struck ill and dies — leaving both the first and modern-day couples together to mourn their lost loved ones and ponder the nature of death while coming to the inevitable realization that death must be permanent.
Imbedded deeply within the play’s theme is the role of the sexes within marriage and relationships, and while it has funny parts, at times the action seems stilted and its drama a bit too overwrought.
Though the play primarily deals with death, much of the humor is void of the dark undercurrents and evokes laughs based on the couples’ gender struggles and quirky details. But, laced within its humor, is the poignant finality of death and its consequences on life. On the whole though, “Good Grief” is an entertaining spectacle that is witty and thought-provoking.
“Good Grief” runs at Theatre X from March 28-31 with all shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for general admission and $4 for students, faculty, staff and seniors, and can be purchased at the UNM ticket office, 277-4569.
