We now live in the digital age of information. Now more than ever, information spreads like wildfire regardless of its validity. This is why it is so very crucial to get things right, as misinformation can have potentially chaotic ramifications. When The Lifespan of a Fact graced the New York stage with its presence, it was surely to get this message across. With a cast of three, and a captivating script based on the true story of Levi Presley’s jump from a Las Vegas hotel, this story is more than worth telling as it guides us through the importance of not excluding facts where current events are concerned. Even if it means making for a terribly told story.
The Lifespan of a Fact graced the New York stage with its presence, it was surely to get this message across.
The gist: Jim Fingal has just been hired by a prestigious magazine, tasked with fact-checking a new piece written by John D’Agata. On its face, John’s article (or essay, according to him) is a great story with substance that most readers would likely enjoy. The issue at hand is that much of it, if not most of it, is made up. In a battle of wits and personal point of view, Jim and John go head to head in trying to find the forest through the trees in establishing what defines “their truth” and “THE truth”. All of this with the mediation of their editor Emily Penrose, she of whom has made very clear that they have a deadline to print the story.
The set and technical aspects were impressive, but with this being a Broadway show this should be expected. The first half of the show, places the setting in the Penrose’s office at the assumed headquarters of their magazine. The latter half shows us John’s apartment, as the two finally meet face to face to hash out the issues of the essay. Both were decorated authentically and allowed the actors free navigation along with full audience view. The show was also cued well and paced adequately. The cast was definitely all-star. Many know him as Harry Potter, but to Daniel Radcliffe this was just another character to check off the list. He was given the chance to showcase his American accent to an American audience, and more than sufficiently separated himself from that which he’s become so accustomed to being recognized. As most people of the world are used to seeing his camera work, it was a treat to be missed for those who were never able to see him perform live. His co-stars earn equal accolades here as well, as Bobby Canavale and Cherry Jones make for wonderful dance partners opposite the larger than life A-lister. Canavale is often spotted here and there on the big screen, garnishing the laugh or two with his goofy characters and high energy tempo. Canavale is however, no stranger to the theatre and makes use of his stage time as the pretentious writer who defends his position. Cherry Jones playing the part of the editor, more than gets the audience’s attention. She plays the part of the perfect referee between the two and sometimes comes off as the only real voice of rationality. The three together onstage are a powerhouse, and keep the audience awake and alert throughout.
The relevance of this play will not be forgotten as now, it can’t be. With the reach of journalists, news companies, bloggers, authors, and writers alike, when it comes facts, they have to be clear and supported. This play is a symbol of that necessity, and should likely be recommended viewing for all of the above fields. For those that find themselves on the receiving end of the information, this production just may have you checking your own sources for the truth. Or lack thereof.
