AMERICAN HWANGAP at the Magic is magic
Jon Norman Schneider as Ralph and Keone Young as Chun Min Suk in American Hwangap at Magic Theatre. Photo by www.davidallenstudio.com
AMERICAN HWANGAP a world Premiere Dramatic/Comedy by Lloyd Suh, directed by Trip Cullman. Magic Theatre, Bldg D –
AMERICAN HWANGAP IS THE SECOND WINNER IN A ROW FOR MAGIC THEATRE UNDER LORRETA GRECO
You can’t go home again was Thomas Wolfe’s admonition in his final novel of the same name. In American Hwangap, Lloyd Suh suggests that if you do go/come home again expect the unexpected. At the start of this play, a dysfunctional Korean clan, living in Texas, is preparing for the return of patriarch Min Suk (Keone Young, a master of comic timing) who has deserted the family 15 years ago when he returned to Seoul. It is the advent of Min’s hwangap [pronounced hwon-gap] a 60th birthday celebration that has great significance in Asian cultures. It marks the end of the zodiac cycle of life.
The 85 minute play is non-linear with 18 short scenes that dovetail perfectly on Eric Flatmo’s marvelous spare set that morphs effortlessly into a basement room, living room, dining room, a small rowboat for fishing and finally a tree. All this comes about with, a table, a beanbag, a couple of chairs, a cutout of a rowboat and a tree branch that descend from the ceiling. The unobtrusive superb lighting (York Kennedy) and musical riffs (Fitz Patton) add depth.
With one exception, the characters briefly address the audience as if talking to Min before stepping back in time to continue the action. It is a very effective conceit allowing Suh to flesh-out their relationship with Min. The exception is older son David (Ryun Yu) whose personae is created with telephone conversations to brilliant, basement dwelling, neurotic brother Ralph (Jon Norman Schneider), perpetual student, twice divorced sister Esther, strong willed mother Mary (Jodi Long) and finally with his father Min.
When questioned by the children why is Min returning, Mary simply says, “I asked him.” Ralph, seeking to connect with his absent father is the only one desiring Min’s homecoming. Mary’s motivations remain ambiguous. Esther’s anger ameliorates when she confesses that her second husband was the image of Min and the failed marriage reflected her desire for a father and animosity she has for Min. David, who insists that his work prevents him from attending the hwangap, holds dark secrets about his father that prevent him from offering forgiveness. He admonishes Mary “Don’t sleep with him!”
Such a remark telegraphs that she will and she does bed Min. Keone Young’s acting in the seduction of reluctant Mary comes to life with an act of dropping his pants, oozing desire and persistence, sets the tone for the humor to follow. Not only does Min charm Mary, he also without guile, softens Esther’s antagonism and develops a father/son bond with Ralph on their “fishing trip.”
When Min tells his side of the story, which may be true or false, there are subtle changes for the better in the relationships. Because of the dark secrets David knows, he will never comes to grips with his anger and Ryun Yu’s dynamic personae makes you believe his inner turmoil. Ralph is encouraged to leave the basement to become independent and Esther will probably leave academia. However, the outcome is extremely ambiguous when the play comes to an abrupt end.
Angela Lin’s shift from angry divorcee to a partially understanding daughter is perfectly portrayed with vocal intonation and body movements. Jon Norman Schneider displays Ralph’s innocence and maturation making you believe he will leave the basement. Jodi Long depicts the strong single mother Mary has become still having physical desire for Min, the husband she once loved. Her plaintive warning to Min sitting in the tree, “You are trying too hard, to climb too high” resonates with strength. Keone Young garners most of the accolades with his wry smile and deprecating tone glowing with sincerity.
Following its premiere at Magic, American Hwangap will open with entirely new casts at the Denver Center Theatre Company, Ma-Yi Theatre Company, The Play Company in
Kedar K. Adour, MD
Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagazine.com