Learning to Listen: Birds of North America at Red Orchid Theatre

Two needle nosed hummingbirds are circling the feeder in my yard as I write this. Are

they Wedge-tailed Sawbrewings, Ruby-throats, or early Rufous Hummingbirds? A male

Cardinal hops along the fence, and I hear, but don’t see a Bluejay. I also notice the

ever-present House Sparrows, which protagonists John and Caitlyn refer to as “LBJs

(Little Brown Jobs)”.

It doesn’t take much green space to attract birds in the city. And Red Orchid Theatre’s

Artistic Director Kristen Fitzgerald proves it doesn’t take much theatrical space to

present the emotionally sensitive, watercolor of a play that is “Birds of America” by Anna

Ouyan Moench.

The exquisitely acted two-hander covers a decade in the relationship of a father and

daughter. John is an independent scientist working on a cure for the zika virus.

Daughter Caitlyn lives in New York City and works as a copywriter for a conservative

media outlet. Their differing attitudes about work as vocation versus a paycheck is a

lasting source of tension between them.

So is John’s refusal to loosen up, travel and enjoy himself more. But he’s too consumed

with his scientific quest, and tracking bird species to deviate from his routine. Birding

becomes a way for John and Caitlyn to connect despite the differences between them.

The remounted production features an uncannily naturalistic performance by John Judd

(as John). It is marvelous to watch the subtle changes in mood and expressions shift

across his face. Just as intriguing is the volatile and vulnerable performance by Cassidy

Slaughter Mason (as Caitlyn) whose expressive eyes communicate so much as she

gazes at her oblivious, birdwatching dad.

When Caitlyn tries to explain the location of a bird she’s trained her binoculars on, John

rails, “Be specific! How can anyone understand you if you can’t communicate?”

Ironically, John’s own failure to communicate becomes obvious later. Is that why it

bothers him so much he can’t understand Caitlyn?

While John pursues adding new birds to his life list—Caitlyn’s life list is not progressing

as she would wish. Personal and economic headwinds have informed her life choices in

ways that John seems unwilling to understand or accept. Likewise, John’s

preoccupation with finding a cure to benefit humankind and his vehement opposition to

fossil fuel consumption, seem like privileged pursuits to Caitlyn who struggles to support

herself financially.

John and Caitlin sometimes succeed in connecting, as when they use humor to poke

fun at the new daughter/sister-in-law. But they often fail miserably, especially when

John’s scientific-minded brain fails to express in words the kind of emotional support

Caitlyn sorely needs in a moment of crisis.

Year after year, through life’s changes and losses, father and daughter circle back to

stand side by side in the yard and scan the tree line for birds.

The production team of “Birds of North America” deserves praise for its realistic

backyard set, with raised garden beds, bird feeders and potting supplies by scenic

designer Morgan Laszlo, the effortless costume shifts designed by Ben Argenta Kress,

and the brilliant surround sound design by Ethan Korvne that bring to life the sounds of

bird song and flight.

If you aren’t already attuned to the songs and migration habits of birds, “Birds of North

America” will pique your interest in starting “a life list.” You may even find yourself

listening more intently and thinking more deeply about what and who, is most important

in your life.

“Birds of North America” is currently playing in a limited run from Sept. 10 – Oct. 4 at

Red Orchid Theatre, at 1531 N. Wells Street in Chicago. For tickets and more

information visit www.aredorchitheatre.org

For  reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com/