What I liked
The acting in this play is phenomenal as is the set. Hailey Hudson did an AMAZING job as the stressed out sister in charge of a farm. She brought a sorta neurotic vibe to the character that i genuinely believed she was extremely stressed out. Then there’s Spencer who plays the sassy brother who likes to cosplay as a revolutionary. The possum in the show (Gus) also brought some much needed whimsy to the show. Overall this was a well acted play
What I didn't like
….there’s something to be left desired with Gus’s character (The Possum). He’s treated as a dying friend that just wants to be buried in his ancestral land. However, there is no real exploration of his character.
When i was going over the plot with my friend, he immediately shouted that this character sounds like a “magical negro” archetype but instead with a Native American. I couldn’t help but agree. Gus is a character that had his land taken from him then accidentally killed and…he’s just fine with it? Hell he actually helps the brother and sister make amends with each other. But what about him? What about his feelings? Do the siblings try to make amends with him? His character is clearly indigenous coded but that is never talked about. The play as a result gave off strong vibes of “Christopher Columbus came to the Native Americans and they shared food and lived happily ever after.”
I swear im not trying to be “woke” but they literally gave a speech before the play about how we sit on stolen land so i would’ve thought that theme would tie into the play somehow but it doesn’t. Given today’s current climate this script needed a different set of eyes to look it over. Im not trying to critique the dialogue, i think the brother and sister dynamic was played great. But beyond that, what is the purpose??? I think they needed to make amends with Gus and rectify that they’re on stolen land. If anything this play could’ve been a great dissection of what even is reparations and how do you rectify with the atrocities your ancestors committed (in this case their grandfather). Gus being a puppet adds whimsy and charm, but beyond that he’s as hollow on the outside as he is inside. If you’re gunna tell a story involving stolen land, i think its important to actually treat the subject matter with more consideration, especially since there is a great story in here somewhere.
My overall impression
This play is a well acted family drama involving talking roadkill and peanuts. I found myself enchanted by the lead characters bickering and quippy dialogue. And the possum puppet (Gus) added some charm to the story that i wish he appeared in more scenes. Overall if you’re looking for a good play to turn your brain off this is the one.
