Photos by Maggie Hall
‘Beyond Words’ – Written by Laura Maria Censabella; Directed by Cassie Chapados; Scenic Design by Qingan Zhang; Costume Design by Sandra Zhihan Jia; Lighting Design by Amanda Fallon; Sound Design by Anna Drummond. Presented by Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Productions at Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, through April 14, 2024
By Helen Ganley
In the eye of a tornado of falling feathers, a scientist lies in a heap. Surrounded by a fluorescent-lit lab cheekily bedecked with “Birds at Work” signage and decals of African Grey parrots, the tornado emanates from Dr. Irene Pepperberg as she sweeps us back to the beginning of her story. Central Square Theater’s production of Beyond Words invokes a central question of humanity: How intelligent is the rest of the animal kingdom?
Beyond Words is the newest work stemming from the ongoing partnership between MIT and Central Square Theater, Catalyst Collaborative@MIT (CC@MIT). The intersection of the worlds of art and science spring to life, with at least one play per season being dedicated to science. Beyond Words dramatizes the 30-year research experiment by Dr. Irene Pepperberg and Alex, the African Grey Parrot. In a study of inter-species relationships, Pepperberg wades through personal and professional trenches in her quest to prove that humans are not the only species capable of communication.
Employing the traverse stage, where the audience sits on both sides facing one another, there is an inherent curiosity within the show – whose side of the story are we seeing? Depending on which actor is facing toward you at any given moment, there is an innate sense of missing something which, in a show as multi-faceted as this, creates a scientific tension as the audience seeks to figure out what data points they’re missing to get a full picture of the story.
The seven-person cast is rich with talent. Notably, Jon Vellante astounds as Alex (the parrot). Vellante plucks and preens, poised on his toes the entire production (truly – the entire show), three fingers extended on each hand to emulate talons. He squawks out guffaw-inciting demands, “Want cherry! Want banana! Want nut!” followed by a bellowing “WANT KIWI!” His emotions read plainly on his face, his discontent, pain, joy, and impishness emanating from him as he slowly increases his ability to comprehend objects, labels, categories, concepts, and numbers.
Stephanie Clayman grounds Vellante’s humorous and exciting performance, her eagerness to share Alex’s abilities with the world waylaid by the men in her field. Women in male-dominated fields are subject to intensified scrutiny, in which each decision and conclusion must be analyzed and verified tenfold. Clayman is a supernova, willing the scientific world into her orbit and palpably bridling her anger and frustration. In less capable hands, the societal resonance that this story has could be lost, but Clayman and Vellante work together to create a truly touching tale of real science, real love, and real connection.
Pepperberg’s tapestry is woven through with threads of friends, supporters, colleagues, and nay-sayers. Bill Mootos effortlessly maneuvers between the “supportive” husband Dr. Rick Pepperberg and the chauvinistic Dr. Howard Towers. Karina Beleno Carney was the picture of a supportive friend – representing the fact that women can be whatever they want, whether it’s a scientist, a mother or both. The chorus backed each scene, representing other birds, grant administrators, fellow students, and more. Kandyce Whittingham, Ken Yotsukura, and Matthew Zahnzinger performed all these roles, bringing enthusiasm and fresh accents to every role.
Each technical element was purposeful and meaningful, instilling a real ambiance throughout the show. Qingan Zhang’s scenic design created cafeterias, laboratories, and more through well-placed furniture and colorful accouterments. Amanda Fallon’s lighting design and Anna Drummond’s sound design worked in harmony, with colorful lights accompanying video game sound effects as research goals were accomplished.
Two-way communication is just that: two-way. Just as much as we attempt to communicate with creatures unlike ourselves, they attempt to communicate with us. Only through mutual understanding and patience can strides be made, whether it’s with another species or amongst ourselves. For tickets and information, go to: http://www.centralsquaretheater.org/shows/beyond-words/
