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Addiction, Aging Collide in New York Stage Play
25 Feb
Summary
- Play intertwines themes of addiction recovery and aging.
- Grandparents' lives offer stability amid narrator's relapse.
- Dementia and addiction are presented as rhyming experiences.
The Reservoir, a new play premiering in New York City, offers a unique perspective on addiction and recovery by intertwining it with the experiences of aging. The narrative centers on Josh, a young man who returns home after a relapse and finds solace and stability by immersing himself in the lives of his grandparents.
The play explores the parallel journeys of Josh's recovery from alcoholism and his grandparents' navigation of age-related challenges, particularly dementia. This thematic connection creates a comforting, albeit unexpected, tone for a story tackling serious issues.
Directed by Shelley Butler, the production features a strong ensemble cast portraying the grandparents, adding warmth and depth. The play, described as "emotionally autobiographical," draws from the playwright's personal experiences with sobriety and the complexities of family dynamics.
While the play navigates sensitive themes, it avoids overly grim or sentimental resolutions. Instead, it emphasizes a message of resilience and the celebration of life, even amidst significant struggles. The Reservoir is running at the Linda Gross Theater through March 15.
