Exploring the Depths of Family Dynamics in Joshua Harmon’s “We Had a World”
At the heart of Joshua Harmon’s new play, “We Had a World,” lies a poignant exploration of family dynamics, memory, and the complexities of love and resentment. The play opens with a striking image: Josh, portrayed by Andrew Barth Feldman, is in his tighty-whities, scribbling in a notebook at a desk. This intimate setting immediately draws the audience into his world, setting the stage for a narrative that is both personal and universal. The arrival of his Nana, played by the talented Joanna Gleason, introduces the central conflict of the play—her request for Josh to write a play about their family, reminiscent of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
A Memory Play with a Twist
“We Had a World” is structured as a memory play, a format that allows Josh to break the fourth wall and guide the audience through significant moments from his childhood and adult life. The narrative begins with a poignant phone call between Josh and his Nana at the end of her life, but quickly shifts back in time. Through Josh’s recollections, we meet his grandmother, an eccentric Manhattanite who introduces him to the arts, from theater to photography. Their relationship is rich and layered, filled with both affection and underlying tension, particularly as Josh uncovers Nana’s struggles with alcoholism. This revelation serves as a catalyst for the long-standing animosity between Nana and Josh’s mother, Ellen, a tough lawyer portrayed by Jeanine Serralles.
The Complexity of Truth
Harmon’s script deftly navigates the complexities of familial relationships, revealing the intricate web of love, resentment, and emotional baggage that often defines them. While Nana’s initial request for a vicious portrayal of their family sets the tone, the play ultimately offers a more nuanced exploration of truth. The characters are not mere puppets in Josh’s narrative; they are fully realized individuals with their own perspectives and voices. This dynamic allows for moments of humor and poignancy, as Nana and Ellen frequently intrude on Josh’s storytelling, offering their own takes on events and challenging his recollections.
Emotional Transparency and Honesty
One of the standout qualities of “We Had a World” is its emotional honesty. Harmon avoids the pitfalls of didacticism that can plague contemporary memory plays, instead opting for a balance that captures the messy realities of family life. The script is rich with verifiable biographical details, lending authenticity to the characters and their experiences. However, it is the emotional transparency that truly resonates. The play captures the conflicting feelings that often accompany familial love—affection intertwined with resentment, pride mixed with insecurity. This complexity is what makes the characters relatable and their struggles palpable.
Stellar Performances that Elevate the Material
While Harmon’s writing lays the groundwork for a compelling narrative, it is the performances that truly bring the material to life. Joanna Gleason’s portrayal of Renee is particularly captivating; she embodies the character’s eccentricities and dark humor with finesse, making it easy for the audience to fall in love with her. Her love for ornate French furniture and her inexplicable pseudo-British accent add layers to her character, making her both endearing and complex. Similarly, Jeanine Serralles’s Ellen shines in her defensive and sardonic moments, revealing the character’s vulnerabilities with a rawness that feels authentic. The chemistry between the actors enhances the emotional weight of the story, allowing the audience to fully engage with the characters’ journeys.
A Nonlinear Narrative Approach
The nonlinear structure of “We Had a World” is another element that sets it apart. Harmon skillfully weaves together various timelines, allowing Josh to revisit and reinterpret his memories. This approach not only keeps the audience engaged but also reflects the fluid nature of memory itself. As Josh navigates his past, he revises his understanding of events and relationships, illustrating how our perceptions can shift over time. This clever storytelling technique adds depth to the narrative, inviting the audience to reflect on their own familial experiences and the ways in which memories shape our identities.
Thematic Resonance
At its core, “We Had a World” is a meditation on the complexities of family life and the legacies we inherit from those who came before us. It challenges the audience to confront the uncomfortable truths that often lie beneath the surface of familial relationships. The play’s exploration of alcoholism, resentment, and the search for understanding resonates deeply, inviting viewers to reflect on their own familial ties and the intricate dance of love and conflict that defines them.
In summary, Joshua Harmon’s “We Had a World” is a masterful exploration of family dynamics, memory, and the emotional truths that bind us. Through its engaging narrative, rich characterizations, and stellar performances, the play offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and the legacies we carry with us.
