A peculiar gem indeed lies in Lyle Kessler's 'Orphans', a hostage power play that slowly takes its audience on a thrilling ride. The story revolves around two oddball brothers, Phillip and Treat, who live with their father figure Harold, the quiet and intimidating intruder in their lives.
The plot begins when Harold, a preoccupation with orphans, drags his children into a twisted game of power and control. Treat, the more voluble brother, is drawn into this world by Harold's bonds, which become a leverage to hold him ransom. As Harold wields his power, Phillip becomes a pawn in Harold's free-reigning father figure cum oppressor.
The connection between the orphanage where Harold grew up and the troubled past of the brothers comes flooding back, as they struggle with their own childhood trauma. Treat tries to shape Phillip into a gangland criminal, while Harold encourages him to step out of his comfort zone.
What holds this peculiar play together is its outstanding performances by Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans. The actors weave a web of vulnerability, power struggles, and pent-up anger that leaves the audience breathless.
However, the play falters in exploring its setup fully, leaving room for symbolic or surreal interpretations instead of digging deeper into the complex relationships between Harold and his children. Furthermore, there are moments of unexplained bigotry that raise questions about the motivations behind their actions.
Despite these shortcomings, 'Orphans' is a captivating revival that leaves you wondering what will happen next in this volatile game of cat and mouse. With its gripping performances and intense power dynamics, it's a peculiar gem worth revisiting.
The plot begins when Harold, a preoccupation with orphans, drags his children into a twisted game of power and control. Treat, the more voluble brother, is drawn into this world by Harold's bonds, which become a leverage to hold him ransom. As Harold wields his power, Phillip becomes a pawn in Harold's free-reigning father figure cum oppressor.
The connection between the orphanage where Harold grew up and the troubled past of the brothers comes flooding back, as they struggle with their own childhood trauma. Treat tries to shape Phillip into a gangland criminal, while Harold encourages him to step out of his comfort zone.
What holds this peculiar play together is its outstanding performances by Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans. The actors weave a web of vulnerability, power struggles, and pent-up anger that leaves the audience breathless.
However, the play falters in exploring its setup fully, leaving room for symbolic or surreal interpretations instead of digging deeper into the complex relationships between Harold and his children. Furthermore, there are moments of unexplained bigotry that raise questions about the motivations behind their actions.
Despite these shortcomings, 'Orphans' is a captivating revival that leaves you wondering what will happen next in this volatile game of cat and mouse. With its gripping performances and intense power dynamics, it's a peculiar gem worth revisiting.
I think what really got me about this play is how the main character Harold just kinda shows up and starts pulling all these strings on his kids. Like, one minute he's this quiet guy and the next he's like a crazy control freak? 
And those performances by Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans are insane! They totally bring that emotional depth to their characters, but at the same time I felt like some of the plot twists were kinda glossed over. Like, what's up with Harold's backstory? Why does he have this intense thing for orphans? 
And sometimes I was like "wait, why is he doing this?" It's all very intriguing though!
! The storyline is so dark & twisted, but in the best way possible. It's like watching two brothers try to navigate their complicated relationship with this dude Harold... he's just soooo intense 
. And the actors are on point, I mean Forbes Masson's performance as Treat is giving me chills 
. The power struggles between them all are so well done too - it's like they're stuck in this cycle of abuse and manipulation... ugh, it's just so intense 
. But you know what? I kinda love how it leaves some stuff up to interpretation, it makes me wanna keep watching to figure out the mystery behind Harold's past 
. Only wish they'd explored that a bit more thoroughly though 
. Treat and Phillip's dynamic is also really interesting - it's like they're trying to navigate their own toxic relationship 
.
And sometimes I felt like the plot was missing some depth... but overall, it's a pretty wild ride 
!
, and it's clear why 'Orphans' is worth revisiting 
.
. The way the dad figure Harold is controlling his kids Phillip and Treat with these twisted games of power, it's like a real-life thriller 
. But at the same time, the actors' performances are what really hold the play together 
. Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans all bring so much depth to their characters that you can't help but feel invested in what happens next. The only thing that kinda threw me off was some parts that felt a bit too vague or symbolic 
...like, I get it, maybe the motivations behind Harold's actions aren't always clear, but still...it feels like there's more to explore. Still, if you're looking for a gripping play with great performances, "Orphans" might be worth checking out 
, yeah, that's some uncomfortable stuff. Can't help but wonder why certain characters made these choices 
. Their portrayals of vulnerability, power struggles, and pent-up anger are intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat 
.
gotta see how they resolve it all tho 
but at the same time, it's kinda fascinating how deep their emotional connection is 
. There's something about this volatile game of cat and mouse between Harold and his kids that just keeps me on the edge of my seat 
. Can't wait to see what happens next!
.
. Of course, there were some moments where I felt like I needed a few more explanations, but overall I loved the way the play just kinda... unfolded 
. Anyway, if you haven't checked out 'Orphans' yet, I'd defo recommend it - just be prepared for some intense emotional whiplash 
!
.
but at the same time, I loved how it was like a twisted game of cat and mouse between him and Treat 
. The actors did an amazing job, especially Forbes Masson as Harold - he's so intimidating yet vulnerable at the same time 
. The themes of trauma and power struggles are pretty heavy stuff, but the acting makes it all kinda compelling 
but at the same time theres these intense power struggles & performances by forbes masson, chris walley & fred woodley evans that had me on edge