Allergic Reaction Scott Nath in Anaphylaxis (Photo: Maggie Soladay)

 

 

Anaphylaxis

Written by Mary Jane Gibson

Directed by Sheila Daniels

IRT Theater

154 Christopher Street, #3B

212-206-6875

 

Review by Doug Strassler

 

Anaphylaxis is the sort of psychological sci-fi thriller usually found in the movies. Throwing Bones, the production company behind the show, doesn’t have the resources to create flashy sets or visuals. Instead, the show must rely on its two talented stars to provide the special effects.

 

And provide they do. Mary Jane Gibson, the playwright, is Ana, who suffers from the titular disorder, a hypersensitivity to allergens of all kinds. She seeks treatment from Frank (Scott Nath), an enigmatic scientist eager to help her. But Frank might just have an agenda of his own.

 

Both actors do an immense amount with little. Gibson makes Ana’s discomfort, fear, and helplessness palpable. Her condition, combined with the formula that Frank gives to her, creates memory loss. Gibson makes Ana’s frustration at being unable to pick up the pieces the most heartbreaking aspect of the play — until her relief, born of desperation, at being able to remember even the tiniest morsel, brings a tear to the eye. It’s a strong, empathetic performance.

 

Nath has a trickier role, since his character must keep secrets from both Ana and the audience, but the actor justifies Frank’s motivations every step of the way. He is the one driving every scene; it is the interaction between scientist and patient that provides the crux of the show. Gibson’s question comes down to one of trust. If you cannot rely on yourself, how much can you rely on another? And if you cannot remember anything about yourself, is it possible to let someone else define you?

 

The greater plot reveals in Anaphylaxis are less than surprising, and I wish they could come in a more dynamic way. At less than 50 minutes, there is plenty of room to tweak or add to the climax. Still, director Sheila Daniels excels at managing the tension throughout the entire piece. (Throwing Bones has mounted this show for nearly a decade.) Dan Glass’s console design is also first-rate.

 

Anaphylaxis is a taut work, helped considerably by the committed, specific performances of its two actors. Together, they manage to turn this play about science into a work of art.

 

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