Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Jen Silverman’s slippery new play SPAIN investigates the power of art via propaganda and war

• By drediman
• December 17, 2023
• No Comments

I recently had the chance to catch a performance of Second Stage Theater’s Off-Broadway production of Spain by Jen Silverman on its closing weekend at the Tony Kiser Theater. Set in 1936, the play follows a pair of filmmakers as they embark on their next endeavor – a big budget documentary on the Spanish Civil War that’s being funded by the KGB (!). As they assemble their creative team and move the project forward, the two are increasingly engulfed and entrenched in the world of international espionage.

In short, Silverman has written a clever new play with Stoppardian overtones (indeed, Stoppard’s espionage play Hapgood quickly comes to mind) and a nod to the acclaimed television series The Americans. Spain is a slippery work that keeps audiences on their toes as the play twists and turns to its fascinating conclusion (no spoilers here). Although the whole thing ultimately doesn’t quite cohere completely, the play’s investigation of the power of art – in this case, particularly as it relates to its role in propaganda and covert warfare – is both seductive and heady.

The Second Stage production has been stylishly directed by Tyne Rafaeli, whose striking stage tableaus seem to be heavily inspired by film noir aesthetic and surrealists like Magritte. The acting was strong throughout, starting with Marin Ireland and Andrew Burnap as the aforementioned filmmakers. Even though the chemistry between them seemed a tad tame, they’re nonetheless both fine actors whose individual scenes land robustly. The cast is rounded by Zachary James, Erik Lochtefeld, and Danny Wolohan – all of whom animate their characters with welcome specificity.

RECOMMENDED

SPAIN
Off-Broadway, Play
Second Stage Theater at the Tony Kiser Theater
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 17