Modern anxieties explored in 'Ring Ring' play

Gary Owen's "Ring Ring" presents a contemporary adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's iconic "La Ronde," utilizing a revolving structure of interconnected scenes between two actors. The play aims to illuminate modern anxieties, focusing on fears about sharing personal struggles, the decision of whether to become parents, and confronting existential dread through fleeting connections. While individual moments and dialogue exhibit a raw beauty, the cumulative impact lacks a strong sense of progression. Originally a college commission, this professional debut of "Ring Ring" by Shed Theatre struggles to fully overcome its academic origins. The cast delivers a dedicated performance, but the production's staging, including its set design and transitional movements, often feels self-conscious and somewhat awkward, hindering the play's overall cohesion.