Wrecks by Neil LaBute Essay Example
Wrecks by Neil LaBute Essay Example

Wrecks by Neil LaBute Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (856 words)
  • Published: September 9, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Patrick Teoh, the sole actor in the play I am reviewing, expressed that while he has frequently portrayed a humorous Chinese gangster with a noticeable accent, it is roles such as Edward in "Wrecks" that truly stimulate him.

Wrecks, a play by Neil Labute, was performed at the KL Performing Arts Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 13th to 22nd November 2007. Out of all the productions viewed in the last year, this play had the most impact due to its brilliant soliloquy and poignant exploration of the human soul. It kept the audience curious until the end where it had a good twist. Edward, a loving father, successful businessman and grieving widower is featured in an ongoing monologue during his wife's funeral, candidly sharing his story with us. The set was relatively barren with no curtain and dim lig

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hting, shocking the audience upon entering the theater.

On the stage, there was a variety of elements including a coffin on the right side, chairs at the rear, a small table and chair in the front left, an elegant stand displaying a funeral bouquet of flowers, candles placed in tall holders of different sizes, and an entrance located at the back left with a large wall mirror. The audience's attention was immediately drawn to the coffin due to its solemnity as well as the striking photograph of a beautiful young woman positioned prominently on top. Edward made his entrance from behind while adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. Dressed appropriately in black attire for this performance, he spent around five minutes exploring every corner of the stage without uttering any words. The silence captivated the

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audience so much that they were able to interpret his thoughts just by looking at his facial expressions. It felt like witnessing something private rather than being part of a public performance when intruding upon someone else's grief.

After making his way towards the photograph, he scrutinized the girl's face before glancing at the flowers. The audience grew tense, but their coughs and sniffs ceased as he introduced his wife, Mary Jo, leaving a powerful impression. His speech then delved into the intertwined lives of Mary Jo and himself, how they would be remembered as a unique couple, and the story of his childhood as an orphan in a children's home until he was eighteen. Despite this not being my genre preference, Patrick Teoh's astounding acting prowess and Gavin Yap's exceptional direction captivated me as the story unfolded.

Patrick demonstrated his skill in managing the emotional intensity of the performance, gradually increasing the tension to multiple poignant climaxes. Several sensitive audience members were moved to tears at certain points, a testament to the authenticity crafted by a truly skilled actor. The play employed a variety of dramatic techniques, including moments of silence, that captivated the audience. When Patrick acted, his words and emotions felt genuine, resulting in a persuasive and realistic portrayal.

During the performance, Edward utilized various techniques to enhance the piece. He effectively added intensity by shedding tears at one point. Additionally, he incorporated strategic pauses, making the performance more visually appealing rather than solely auditory. Edward utilized different tones and gestures, allowing the piece to flow smoothly. Furthermore, he employed a range of facial expressions including raising his eyebrows and screwing up his face, conveying

emotions such as grief, annoyance and frustration towards the absent funeral guests. Cleverly, he even shouted angrily at the guests from behind a door using an off-stage convention. He incorporated quick and slow movements and masterfully utilized space on stage.

Amid the narration, there was a flashback that may have initially confused the audience but eventually became clear as the speaker proceeded. The delivery was so convincing that the flashback appeared to be occurring in real-time. The speaker utilized the word "indeed" repeatedly for emphasis. Profanity usage was minimal but effective in enhancing the narrative and avoiding overkill.

During the performance, the actor utilized sarcasm and humor. The character joked about regretting her life, particularly the first half when reflecting on it. Later in the play, Edward teased the audience by revealing his wife's whispered secret before passing away while withholding the details. This kept the audience engaged and eager to discover what exactly that secret was throughout, generating a sense of anticipation that continued until the end. As a result of this clever twist, everything culminated in an intense climax that brought all elements together.

A disclosure that should be communicated.

The speaker shared a personal story about his wife's experience of sexual assault by her uncle, resulting in an undisclosed pregnancy and subsequent adoption throughout the presentation. As the story progressed, the audience became increasingly engaged culminating in a surprising revelation that "She was my mother." Due to its shocking and dramatic nature, this unexpected twist generated intense emotional reactions among those present.

Although featuring elements of comedy, romance, mystery, and tragedy, this play had a serious tone that left a lasting impression on viewers. Its

mix of genres provided an exhilarating experience that made it stand out as a memorable production.

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