The advice of therapists often centers on a simple shift: swapping “but” for “and” in our speech, a seemingly minor alteration that unlocks deeper complexities within our conversations. This approach, while initially sounding cliché, opens doors to spaces of greater nuance, ones many avoid acknowledging. Embracing this linguistic pivot might redefine our world.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins embodies this ‘and’ space in his writing, a realm pulsating with simultaneous truths that are often challenging, identity-shattering, or even life-threatening. His works build toward cataclysms where conflicting realities coexist, resembling gas seeping silently from a stove until sparked by an igniter. In “Appropriate,” Jacobs-Jenkins crafts an atmosphere thick with unease, unfolding during a disconcerting reunion of three adult siblings at their deceased father’s former Arkansas plantation. Over the past decade, societal changes have sharpened the story’s edge, yet the play transcends being a mere period piece. The voices he lends his characters, conversing as white people in the South, remain disconcertingly authentic despite cultural shifts.
Toni, portrayed fiercely by Sarah Paulson, leads the Lafayette siblings’ reunion. With recent turmoil from divorce and job loss, Toni arrives in Arkansas fueled by righteous indignation, accompanied by her son Rhys. Meanwhile, her brother Bo, aptly portrayed by Corey Stoll, arrives from New York with his family, each member laden with their own complexities. The tense gathering expands further with the unexpected arrival of Franz, played by Michael Esper, and his enigmatic fiancée, River, portrayed by Elle Fanning in her Broadway debut.
Director Lila Neugebauer navigates this mosaic of characters adeptly, depicting them as multifaceted individuals, flawed yet human. Through their interactions, Jacobs-Jenkins crafts a narrative that delves into biases, misunderstandings, and the unchecked undercurrents of bias and animosity.
The play, set in a charged atmosphere, encapsulates intricate family dynamics, exploring individual struggles against a backdrop of historical weight and societal transformation. In the hands of the director and the stellar cast, “Appropriate” presents a poignant portrayal of human complexity, inviting audiences to contemplate the intricacies of familial bonds and the evolving landscape of human relationships.
