While witnessing Wasabia, a drama packed with biting humor about death, I couldn’t help but relate it to my own experiences as a 78-year-old member of the so-called “Silver Tsunami” generation facing health issues. The Phoenix Theatre presented Wendy Herlich’s play on Friday at the Frank & Katrina Basile Theater.
Herlich’s inventive play balances realism and fantasy. Directed handily by Bian Balcom, it blends humor with social commentary, exploring themes of mortality, dignity, friendship, and control. The story follows Vivian (Jan Lucas), an independent retiree, and Carla (Hannah Luciana), a young, people-pleasing hospice volunteer, as they form an unexpected bond threatened by Vivian’s request for life-ending drugs from luckless musician Brody (Andrew Martin). Absurdity and theatrical flair are added by Val (Valium) played by Arika Casey, and Jen Johansen as Di (Digoxin), portrayed in interviews, game shows, and red carpet scenes, and more, who suggest life’s choices. A dark comedy, Wsababia, tracks the uneven relationship of two women as they struggle with profound issues related to medically assisted dying as they together contemplate identity, belonging, and existential meaning.
Lucas stood out as Vivian, portraying both toughness and vulnerability. Butler graduate Luciana convincingly played Carla, optimistic yet conflicted. Their argument scenes were particularly engaging. Veteran character actor Johansen and Kenyatta Dance Company principal Casey brought charisma, versatility and humor to their roles as drugs Di and Val. Martin was convincing as floundering Brody. The cast members also shined for their comedic timing which was impeccable.
The production’s creative team—Set Designer Jackie Mahon, Lighting Designer Tim Dick, Sound Designer Sujim Kim, Costume Designer Brittainie McKenna Travis, Props Designer Kristin Renee Boyd, and Scenic Artist Jennifer Blue19—stood out for exceptional execution and inventive use of the Basile black box space.
Wasabia stands out for its inventive storytelling, compelling acting, and thoughtful themes. It prompted me to recall my own journey during which my former negative perspective on death radically changed. They included Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal 1970 book On Death and Dying, a documentary I produced and directed, about the hospice movement for WRTV6, and personal experiences with loss among family and friends.
Finally, the play held no shortage of relevance for yours truly considering the fact that few years ago I went I underwent a stroke which left me with mild cognitive impairment, so no one knows better than me about how important brain functionality is.
The most impactful change in my view of came at my friend Rip Taggart’s (an Indy community theatre performer) 2014 memorial service at the staid Woodstock Country Club. He chose to end the event with a recording of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Spamalot, and hearing its lyrics helped me reframe the topic.
For life is quite absurd (ooh)
And death’s the final word (ooh)
You must always face the curtain with a bow (ooh)
Forget about your sin, give the audience a grin (ooh)
Enjoy it, it’s your last chance anyhow
So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath
Life’s a piece of shit (ooh)
When you look at it
Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true (ooh)
You’ll see it’s all a show (ooh)
Keep ’em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you (ooh)
For tickets and information about Wasabia which runs through April 12, visit phoenixtheatre.org
