THE HANGOVER REPORT – Mandatory Viewing: Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s COVID-19 first responders docudrama THE LINE exposes systemic socio-economic inequities

Lorraine Toussaint, Santino Fontana, and John Ortiz in the Public Theater's live stream of "The Line".

Lorraine Toussaint, Santino Fontana, and John Ortiz in the Public Theater’s livestream of “The Line” by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen.

I recently had a chance to stream the Public Theater’s production of The Line, which was originally webcast live earlier this month. In the past, the writing duo behind the play – Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen – have pioneered the niche sub-genre of documentary theater through such illuminating works as The Exonerated (exposing instances of wrongful incarceration) and more recently Coal Country (targeting large corporations vis-à-vis the deadly 2010 West Virginian mining accident). Little did I know that the latter work (also produced by the Public; you can read my review of it here) would be one of the last shows I would attend in person before the pandemic effectively halted all live performances. The Line follows in the investigative footsteps of its predecessors and is a comprised of a collage of interviews with New York City medical first responders (e.g., doctors, paramedics, nurses, EMTs) about their experiences in the front line of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Only so very slightly edited (to protect the interviewees’ identities), Ms. Blank and Mr. Jensen’s latest is as urgent and timely as theater comes. In short, The Line is eye-opening, especially for those – like myself – who have extremely limited visibility into the daily challenges of these frontline workers. Their first person accounts are often harrowing, unflinchingly pointing to the systemic socio-economic inequity that has been exposed by the pandemic. Individually, these stories of day-to-day struggles are affecting, even heartbreaking. However, taken cumulatively, the impact hit me like a ton of bricks. These are real heroes, and their unvarnished bravery is at once horrifying and inspiring. They make me proud to be a New Yorker. In light of the current nationwide spiking of COVID-19 related cases and deaths, I would go so far as to suggest that The Line be made mandatory viewing across our country.

The piece has been subtly directed by Ms. Blank to come across like actual Zoom interviews. She’s succeeded convincingly. Like Richard Nelson’s recent pair of Zoom installations to his Apple Family Plays (What Do We Need to Talk About?, And So We Come Forth), the production takes advantage of the format’s technical limitations by turning them into dramaturgical necessities. Very smart. The performances across the board – from the likes of such stage talents as Alison Pill, John Ortiz, and Tony-winner Santino Fontana – are grounded and ring with truth and thorough authenticity. One of the distinguishing features of Coal Country was the incorporation of music (provided by country music star Steve Earle) into the fabric of the experience. Although music doesn’t quite play as central a role in The Line, it nonetheless utilizes easy listening pop star Aimee Mann’s musical contributions with great care and sensitivity.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

THE LINE
Streaming Theater
The Public Theater
Approximately 1 hour
Available through on the Public Theater’s website

 

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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