There are few alive today that don’t know of, or won’t sometime soon learn of, World War II. The Nazis of Germany are responsible for some of the most horrendous war crimes ever committed, and in retrospect, it wasn’t even that long ago. Filmmakers and playwrights alike have had a field day with scripting numerous narratives within the time of the war. World renowned playwright Arthur Miller was one such writer, and he wrote a play about it based on true events that occurred in Vichy, France. Incident at Vichy was written decades ago, but a recent revival of it was performed and is now online to watch.
In a rundown building, multiple men and a boy have been rounded up for reasons unknown or otherwise, unconfirmed. Some have their suspicions, others have no clue, and some believe it all to be a misunderstanding. As things begin to unfold, they slowly start to realize that perhaps the Germans are in the process of finding Jews and disposing of them. No one wants to believe that this could be the awful truth, eventually leading to a variety of arguments. The more time passes, the more the men reveal about themselves and their individual belief systems. Arthur Miller’s play poses many questions, arguments, and points view that for many would seem profound, and for others, merely common sense. Taking place in one location, the ninety minute production shows the fear these men experienced as they anxiously waited to know what was to become of them.
The set is assembled without great detail, but enough is there to sell it. The costumes are clearly appropriate for the time period and the sound and lighting designs though in short supply are used suitably for the type of play it is. This is an actor’s play, and the actors in this play, can act. Everyone brings it in this revival with spot on casting, and those cast giving it their all. Most notable are Jon LedbOrsini, Darren Pettie, and Richard Thomas. Jon Orsini plays Lebeau, who has a nervous energy that gives the play a tense feeling throughout. Darren Pettie as Leduc is in all likelihood the most unrivalled in his efforts. Everything down to his movement, mannerisms, and motivations might as well be a how-to instruction on acting. Richard Thomas, most known for Stephen King’s It, is the humanity of the play. His display of tenderness and goodwill is what keeps the story from being too cynical, which for stories like this, is a necessity.
Incident at Vichy documents the early stages of occupation and what they planned to do to people who they felt to be inferior.
This isn’t a heartfelt play though. Know this going in. World War II had no silver lining, and the Nazis, no redeeming qualities. Incident at Vichy documents the early stages of occupation and what they planned to do to people who they felt to be inferior. In the end though, Miller shows that even back then there were people who took issue with what was happening, and weren’t afraid to do something about it. Catch this on Broadway HD.
