Everybody is presented by Antaeus Theatre Company. The play is written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Jennifer Chang.
God (Cherish Monique Duke) is disappointed and now humans have to prepare a presentation to show her what they did with their lives once Death (Anne Gee Byrd) shows up to take them with her. In this instance, Death chooses Everybody (Nicole Erb) to start putting her presentation together as she’s next in line. As she’s not quite ready to die and panic settles in, Everybody asks the people around to go with her as a companion to her journey with Death. Friendship (Lisa Sanaye Dring) seems sympathetic at first, but once Everybody asks her to go with her, Friendship refuses and leaves. Next comes Cousin (Antonio Jaramillo) who also encourages Everybody, but also leaves when asked to go with her. Kinship (Gerard Joseph) does the same thing. The three of them encourage Everybody, but she starts to realize that her journey with Death to face God will be a lonely one. Even Stuff (Harry Groener), representing all material things, decides to leave Everybody and move on to somebody else.
The play shows that life becomes a collection of relationships and material things and what we do with them during our lifetime. As the end is near, Everybody sees a Little Girl (Dawn Didawick), probably a reference to her younger self, as some people who have experienced near-death experiences have recalled flashbacks of happy times.
Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, echoing Carl Jung’s ideas, covers some concepts that have intrigued many people throughout history: Collective unconscious, archetype, what happens when we die? The idea that humans will be held liable for their actions in a last judgement is a concept in many cultures around world, even among cultures with no apparent connection with each other, an accurate reference in the title of this play, Everybody.
At the end, Beauty, Senses, Strength, and Mind leave Everybody alone. Out of characters to ask and time running out, Everybody then turns to Love (Alberto Isaac) and begs him to go with her. Love finally agrees, but in exchange, she must show him her humbleness to gain his trust.
The direction by Jennifer Chang is excellent. The blocking of the actors and the display of conflict and emotions make it a very entertaining theatre experience. The script is an example of how to combine philosophical themes with witty characters that are engaging and thoughtful at the same time. For opening night, Nicole Erb offered a very brave and extraordinary performance playing Everybody. The lighting (Bryan Ealey, lighting designer), sound effects (Salvador Zamora, sound designer), and projections (Yi-Chien Lee, projection designer) created a mystic ambiance that highlighted the intriguing and fascinating topics of life and death.
Everybody
Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Directed Jennifer Chang. Starring Anne Gee Byrd, Dawn Didawick, Lisa Sanaye Dring, Cherish Monique Duke, Nicole Erb, Harry Groener, Alberto Isaac, Antonio Jaramillo, and Gerard Joseph. Presented by Antaeus Theatre Company.
Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center
110 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
(between N. Brand Blvd. and Artsakh Ave.)
Performances: September 16 – October 17
Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 ONLY
Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 16 (Opening), Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14
Saturdays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15 (no matinee on Sept. 17)
Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15
Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16
Mondays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10. Oct. 17 (dark Sept. 19)
Tickets: antaeus.org
