Incarnate

Incarnate at Second Thought Theatre through November 1st

My thoughts on Incarnate or…severe daddy issues.

Parker Davis Gray’s Incarnate is a dark, unsettling psychological thriller directed with maximum visceral intensity by Jenna Burnett. The intimacy of Second Thought’s performance area and the proximity of the actors create an enveloping sense of terror and dread.

The foreboding atmosphere is established upon entering the theater. Scenic Designer Leah Mazur’s austere set features a large cell that dominates the stage. It looms like a cage ready to ensnare its prey. Lighting Designer Aaron Johansen skillfully creates the contrast of day and night, illuminates shadowy scenes, and often plunges us into complete, unnerving darkness. Claudia Jenkins Martinez’s sound design enhances the eerie story with creepy, unintelligible whispers at the start of the play and familiar 70’s music that begins cheerfully but gradually takes a dark and sinister twist. Sarah Mosher’s costumes mainly consist of everyday streetwear, highlighting the underlying terror hidden within the ordinary.

Peter (Jeffrey Schmidt) kidnaps Rosamund (Kristen Lazarchick) and holds her captive in a cell in his basement. Peter seems so kind and indulgent of his victim initially that it is difficult to see him as a criminal. He supplies her with as many comforts as possible, including excellent food. Of course, this is of little solace to a 24-year-old kidnapped woman.

Gradually, Peter’s motive is revealed. He is still mourning the death of his father a quarter century ago and believes that Rosamund is the perfect vessel for the transmigration of his father’s soul, which will allow him to speak to his father once again. However, the date for the soul transference must be on Rosamund’s 25th birthday, demanding a full year of captivity to prepare for the event. Peter plies Rosamund with literature about soul transmigration in an effort to ready her.

The year-long wait grows more challenging for Rosamund, so she distracts herself with crime novels and painting. (Art serves as a shared passion for Peter and Rosamund.) As the date approaches, Rosamund's behavior becomes more and more concerning. She begins sleepwalking, experiences sleep paralysis, and frequently wakes up terrified and gasping for air.

Is there a real possibility of soul transmigration? Has Rosamund become a willing participant a la Stockholm Syndrome, or is she a clever deceiver of her captor? There is a resolution, but it is open to interpretation.

The acting in this two-hander is incredible. Jeffrey Schmidt’s quiet portrayal of Peter makes the bizarre seem believable, and when his anger erupts, it shocks both Rosamund and the audience. While Peter’s insanity is clear, Schmidt evokes sympathy for a man consumed by his father’s death. Kristen Lazarchick’s physicality as Rosamund is both amazing and alarming, often flailing herself onto the floor of her cell and shaking the bars. It is truly frightening to witness her transformation as the play progresses. Her desperation is palpable, especially as we track the days through projections along with her. Gray’s clever, chilling script and Burnett’s bold, unrelenting direction keep us riveted and trapped with Rosamund.

Incarnate is disturbing and thrilling. Its sheer, in-your-face force makes it a unique theatrical experience. Pre-Halloween shudders are guaranteed.

Photography by Evan Michael Woods