Home Free
Goethe Institut

Remaining Performances: Thursday, July 23 at 10:15 pm.  Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 pm.  Sunday, July 26 at 11:15 am.

They say: In a studio apartment, Lawrence and Joanna live in a world of their own making with Edna and Claypone.  How long can they keep real world outside?  What happens if reality comes through the door?

Ann’s take: Lanford Wilson’s Home Free gives its audience much to unravel as it follows the muddied logic of Lawrence and Joanna’s aberrant, make-believe world.  Psychological disorder drives the piece, and we have much to sort through as we piece together the mystery of what’s so scary about the outside world.  Social taboos abound in this one-act, but there is an eloquent innocence in Wilson’s deviant world, providing a nice tug-of-war on the audience’s sensibilities.

At its 1964 premiere, the piece surely touched some nerves, and viewing Wilson’s one-act in this context provides a nice period  snapshot.  But in the present time, a straight-up, standard production of the work somehow lacks the impact necessary for me to describe it as anything more than proficient.  Of course, with all of the bodacious antics and creative oddities of the Capital Fringe Festival, it’s hard to compete.  Adeptly performed by its cast, it takes few risks, rendering the piece rather unremarkable.  That said, there’s nothing here to offend the senses.  If you’re in the mood to see a solid one-act that’s maybe a little less fringe-y and a little more traditional, look no further.

See it if: You’ve been meaning to see a Lanford Wilson play.

Skip it if: You have one show left in your 110 Proof Pass, and you want to use it for a “must-see.”