7 / 10
A philosophical comedy with a tragic conclusion, The Verge studies an iconoclast whose anxiety provokes bouts of destructive behavior. Ultimately the verbose, symbol-coded play scarcely proves to be a lost masterpiece, but offers great interest to scholars of course, and it’s a little late in the day anyway to criticize Glaspell’s dramaturgy. Personally speaking, it was a pleasure to finally make this play’s edgy acquaintance.
4 / 10
Silverman gives a strong central performance — angry, passionate, and playful — but the slow-paced direction by Jessie Austrian doesn't streamline the show, and some of the supporting players, especially Emily Young (as Claire’s sister) and Paco Tolson (as Claire’s best friend) fall flat. Lawrence E. Moten III's sets and Sarita P. Fellows's period costumes are delightful, though they can only do so much to alleviate the onerousness of the piece. The Verge explores a host of important themes — motherhood, mental health, eugenics, religion, art, and the aftermath of World War I — that offer a great deal to study and analyze, but this production does not make a case for it being performed.
Fiasco Theater's production of Susan Glaspell's The Verge, starring Miriam Silverman and directed by Jessie Austrian, officially opens at The Public Theater. The 1921 play follows a botanist whose determination to create an entirely new form of life challenges societal expectations and personal relationships. Find out what the critics are saying!
Fiasco Theater's production of THE VERGE just celebrated its opening night at The Public Theater. The cast is led by Tony winner Miriam Silverman as 'Claire Archer', with Noah Brody (Harry), Paul L. Coffey (Anthony/Dr. Emmons), Devin E. Haqq (Dick), Amara Leonard (Elizabeth), Paco Tolson (Tom), and Emily Young (Adalaide/Hattie). Check out photos from opening night here!
Take an exclusive first look at photos of Fiasco Theater's upcoming production of THE VERGE, running now at The Public Theater. Starring Miriam Silverman, the production runs through Sunday, November 22.
All new rehearsal photos have been released for Fiasco Theater's upcoming production of THE VERGE at The Public Theater. Check out the photos from inside rehearsal here.
Fiasco Theater and The Public Theater revealed the complete cast for Susan Glaspell's 1921 play The Verge, directed by Jessie Austrian. The production will run at The Public's LuEsther Hall and features Miriam Silverman as botanist Claire Archer.
