In one of the most riveting dramas at The Hollywood Fringe Festival this year, Occupation stands out. As a powerful dystopian, speculative fiction it projects a ‘far too close to being real’ future of American society.
In some respects, Occupation seems to reference Canadian author Margret Atwood’s 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. But even more eerily Atwood’s story echoes parts of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. The play is a series of connected stories, where, because of a terrorist attack, a totalitarian dictatorship has formed within the borders of what was formerly the United States of America.
Under the pretext of restoring order and safety for all citizens, a new regime called The Patriots has reorganized society along a new militarized hierarchy. This also coincidentally includes building a wall around us to keep the enemy out (and citizens from leaving). Freedoms and liberties have been taken away. Anyone who disagrees is reported to the authorities for suspicious activity. And anything or anyone from loitering to looking strange, just disappears. Of course, the ones to suffer most are women. They are relegated to the least meaningful roles in society.
Like Atwood’s book, the story of Occupation is told from a female point of view. Five women on all sides of the issue with the interjection of a fool/foil tap dance girl, are caught somewhere in the middle of confusion and betrayal, isolated and struggling to find meaning in any part of it.
The threads run the gamut of women who have lost not only their rights but in some cases, who have lost their daughters to a freedom fighters network of young women who become suicide bombers. Each relates an interconnected story asking the question, ‘Who is the real enemy?’
Occupation looks for clarity, power, and salvation within the gray area of fear, nationalism, and government control. It is a dynamic, chilling, and also heartbreaking reflection of today’s political zeitgeist.
Excellent performances by all.
Written by Merri Biechler
Directed by David Robinson
Featuring: Olivia Powell, Jennifer Ashe, Monica Baker, Theodora Marcelline, and Brynn Alexander
Produced by Jennifer Ashe
Very Highly Recommended.
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