“Freud’s Last Session” at 2nd Story Theatre

by Richard Pacheco

            The summer season for 2^nd Story Theatre opens with the provocative battle of minds in Mark St. Germain’s :Freud’s Last” session about he meeting between avowed atheist Sigmund Freud and determined and devout Anglican C.S. Lewis. The performances by Ed Shea and Wayne Kneeland shimmer with wonderful and brilliant touches which show the wit and intelligence of the two men, brought vividly to life by the two actors.

            “Freud’s Last Session” was named Best Play of 2011 by the Off Broadway Alliance. It had its world premiere at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA. It closed after  8 previews and 775 performances in New York on the second anniversary of its world premiere. Mark St. Germain has written a great many plays such as “Camping With Henry And Tom” (Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards) “Out of Gas On Lover’s Leap, Forgiving Typhoid Mary” (Time Magazine’s “Year’s Ten Best”), “Ears On A Beatle” plus many others and also written for television His television credits include “The Cosby Show” (Writer/Creative Consultant), “Crime and Punishment” and “The Wright Verdicts.” He co-wrote the screenplay for Carroll Ballard’s “Duma”. He was also a script writer on the CBS Daytime serial “As The World Turns”.

            It is set in 1939 with Hitler on the rise in the world scene,  lusting after Poland and beyond. England is on the brink of war. This is the backdrop of the invented ideological clash between the father of psychoanalysis and committed atheist, Sigmund Freud and devout Anglican C.S. Lewis. It does not shy away from challenging topics like God, war, suffering and sex.

            “I want to learn why a man of your intellect, one who shared my convictions, could suddenly abandon truth and embrace an insidious lie” like religion, Freud, an adamant atheist, says soon after meeting Lewis. The devout Lewis launches into his views with energy and enthusiasm. This back-and-forth continues throughout the play’s 75 minutes as the two assert theories, concede points and tell jokes. It’s a sharp, lively discourse, and audience members searching for engaging debate will be pleased. As anyone who has ever engaged in such discussion, particularly about God, it ends in a stalemate.

            The script is intelligent and the laughs plentiful as these two engage and battle. If it ends up more and sharp riveting discussion rather than drama you don’t mind because the quality of the discussion is top notch.

Ed Shea is Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, a determined atheist who is facing his own eminent death with wit in the face of often great pain with cancer of the jaw. He is very attached to his daughter Anna, in fact will only let her administer treatments to him. Freud is perplexed why Lewis would abandon his atheism in favor of the “lie” of religion. Shea is a wonder and delight in the role, full of poise and presence. It is a vivid performance, full of excellent touches throughout, brought vivaciously to life.

Wayne Kneeland is C.S. Lewis,  the religious and committed Anglican. Lewis argues back that the ancient presence of societal codes suggests a moral conscience that is a product of God. He challenges the sterile righteousness of science and contends that passion and joy testify to God’s existence. Kneeland’s Lewis is articulate, intelligent and dedicated to his religion. Kneeland delivers an engaging and poised performance, that is rich and stimulating.

Director Pat Hagnauer keeps it all meticulously on track full of energy and enthusiasm, deftly directed.

The Karl Pellitier set design of Freud’s study if lavish and rich with its abundant wall of books, desk and old fashioned radio.  It is a visual delight.

While it may not end up being raw drama it is without a doubt rich and intricate and animated discussion which are loaded with humor and wit throughout.

"Freud’s Last Session" (8 June -  3 August)

2ND STORY THEATRE

@ 28 Market Street, WARREN RI

1(401)847-4242