Jared Sheldon and Josh Beadle Sheldon agree that “The Creators,” opening May 12 at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan, borders on the absurd.
But Beadle, the theatre’s executive director and Sheldon, who is directing the play, also say the audience will easily relate to real life scenarios in the play, and that they will be challenged to wonder what they would do in a certain situation.
The play revolves around four writers hired by a never-seen well-known artist to ghost write. The absurdity comes in when the audience learns these writers are not allowed to leave, and that an intern brings them their meals.
“The circumstances the characters are given are absurd, and purposefully so,” Sheldon said. “But the power dynamics and the moment to moment conversations can be very grounded.” He said he is working with the actors to balance zany over-the-top comedy with serious themes.
The themes audience members might recognize are about worker’s rights and solidarity, Sheldon said. “It’s about power dynamics in the workplace … For one or two characters there are parts of the show where they might not feel exploited at all.
“They may feel thankful. And they have to push back on the ground, which is a difficult and brave thing to do even if the others or the audience doesn’t agree with them.”
The most compelling aspect is how economically exploited individuals react to their circumstances, Sheldon said. “Each individual is to walk a line between being exploited and being valued, and the actions each character takes (or doesn’t take) to improve their circumstances and take back some power. I think in a day and age where the relationship between employers and employees is being examined in a more critical lens, this (play) will resonate with audiences.”
Beadle said the play might bring up different issues for audience members, for example working long hours. “People can relate to that,” Beadle said. “To add more intrigue, the characters weren’t all hired at the same time, and they have been sworn to secrecy about what they’re working on. They can’t even tell their office mates.”
The hired ghostwriters consider revolting until their employer showers praise on one of the writers via the intern. “Then the issue of pride and self-esteem gets explored,” Beadle said.
To focus on the themes, Sheldon is keeping the stage setting simple. “All you see of their work environment are their four desks,” Sheldon said. “Some touches will be made in lighting and the set to give the impression of an upscale office that could be in any major city in the country.”
The playwright also introduces comic elements.
“The relationships between the writers are kind of comical in that even though they’re working in these really strange circumstances, they still interact with each other like at any other office,” Beadle said. The audience will recognize scenes such as a coworker asking another to stop chewing so loudly or to stop eating something.
Sheldon said the play is both “fun and powerful.
“If you’ve ever been frustrated at your job, or had co-workers that you love but get on your nerves this show will resonate with you. If you enjoy a good farce with an important underlying message then I think you’ll enjoy what you see. Heck, even if you just like to laugh. Alexander’s writing is very tight and quippy. If we do our jobs right, I can’t imagine anyone walking away having had a bad time.”
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‘The Creators’
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 12-June 3
Where: Three Brothers Theatre, 115 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
Tickets: $15-$20
Information: 319-621-0024, threebrotherstheatre.com
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.