Spain (2023) – Play Review and Summary (with Spoilers)
Acting as a comedy, think piece, and a reminder of the power and dangers of the KGB, “Spain” excels in some ways but can seem to be word vomit in others.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
General Information
This section includes information about the production, cast, staff, venue, and crew.
|
Director(s) |
Tyne Rafaeli |
|
Writer(s) |
Jen Silverman |
|
Language |
English |
|
Attendance Type |
In Person |
|
Event Status |
On Schedule |
|
Venue or Network (2nd Stage) |
305 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 |
|
Performance Date |
November 10, 2023 |
|
First Performance At This Venue |
November 8, 2023 |
|
Opening Night Performance |
November 8, 2023 |
|
Last Performance At This Venue |
December 17, 2023 |
|
Venue URL |
https://2st.com/shows/spain?gad_source=1#calendar |
|
Tickets Starting At |
$66.00 |
|
Genre(s) |
Play Historical (1936) |
|
Duration |
90 minutes |
|
Noted Performers | |
|
Joris Ivens |
Andrew Burnap |
|
Helen |
Marin Ireland |
|
Karl |
Zachary James |
|
John Dos Passos |
Erik lochtefeld |
|
Ernest Hemingway |
Danny Wolohan |
|
Crew | |
|
Scene/ Set Design |
Dane Laffrey |
|
Costume Design |
Alejo Vietti |
|
Lighting Design |
Jen Schriever |
|
Sound Design |
Daniel Kluger |
|
Choreography |
N. A |
Summary
It’s 1936, and Joris and Helen make movies for the KGB. Mostly shorts that are quick and easy to digest. However, Joris’ handler, Karl, wants something longer, two hours, and wants Ernest Hemingway involved due to his relationship with the Roosevelts. There are Russian interests in Spain, and a movie could push things where they want them to go.
Now, Ernest won’t come easy, so friend and rival John is used, but he asks too many questions in time. But he isn’t the only one. Though Helen is good at her job, producing what her handler Igor, Karl, and Joris want, this isn’t her dream. She was once a filmmaker, albeit of experimental things. But now she just makes propaganda. It isn’t clear if that’s enough anymore, and while Joris can romanticize the takeover of his art, Helen’s ability to do the same ebbs and flows to the point contemplating starting over is tempting.
Content Information
- Dialog: occasional cursing
- Violence: nothing notable
- Sexual Content: nothing
- Miscellaneous: drinking and smoking
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Andrew Burnap as Joris
Joris is a filmmaker, nothing of note, but thanks to the KGB, he has released multiple shorts and now has the opportunity to release his first feature.
Marin Ireland as Helen
Originally from Moscow, where she was a filmmaker, she became Joris’ partner after getting involved with the KGB, and sometimes he is unsure if they are together for real or just for their cover.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Eileen (2023)” and their role in “Birth/Rebirth (2023).”
Zachary James as Karl
Karl is Joris’ handler, though Joris prefers “dinner companion,” who works for the KGB.
Erik Iochtefeld as John Dos Passos
John Dos Passos is a writer and rival to Ernest Hemingway.
Danny Wolohan as Ernest Hemingway
A famous writer, as much as he is a famous drunk, Ernest loves to show boat and be the man everyone pays attention to in the room.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (If Affordable)
Notable Performances or Moments
Stage Design
While there is no bad seat in the house, you may not want to sit in row A because the whole stage is used from a corner in the far right to an entrance/exit in the far left. But that aside, people popping up and using nearly every last inch of the stage keeps you engaged.
You never know where someone may pop up, disappear, where a Russian may make their presence known. It keeps you on your toes and makes it so you have to actively pay attention and move your head, maybe even body, and in that movement, you remain engaged even when some, like Ernest Hemingway, talk too much.
Highlights
The Question of Identity
With the KGB using them to influence the lives of others, so comes the question of who anyone is. Are they operating on their beliefs or convictions, have they lost themselves to their cover stories, or do some of them still eek out in their work? Is there any option of freedom, and is that freedom simply a long leash?
There is an effort to push what is autonomy and self-discovery in a world that feeds you on who or what to be, if not think. This is mainly done from the perspective of 1936, but a point is made with the internet and social media; all that had changed in almost 90 years was the means of most easily influencing the public. You go from movies and using famous names to the internet, faceless bots with just the right message to draw and empower a fringe audience.
On The Fence
Jump To Modern Times
While it is understood the push to understand how Russia used media to influence governments and wield power, it is discombobulating to see people who are from the 30s suddenly enter an office where social media and the internet is talked about. All things considered, all parties in the room should be dead. So how and why the conversation is happening is a tad confusing beyond giving you an idea of how propaganda evolved.
A Lot Of Talking To Fill Up Time
At ninety minutes, one could submit the majority of the time is spent on theory and metaphors. Whether it is the competing pitches for “Spain,” the movie that Joris is to direct and Helen to produce, or the musings of Hemingway or John, there is a lot of word vomit.
Now, to be fair, I’m not a fan of either, so that should be considered as a factor. But, there really does come so many points where it feels like they are milking the name Ernest Hemingway and the persona he is known for past its usefulness. Even when they take away the bravado and point out, he is just an insecure man who likes a consistent stream of attention.
Who Is This For?
Those who love spy stories where there is an equal part levity and jokes, as well as seriousness due to dealing with people who can kill indiscriminately.
Recommendations
If you like this, we recommend:
Check out our Live Performance page for our latest reviews and recommendations.
Follow/Subscribe To Our External Pages
Spain (2023) – Play Overview
Summary
I wouldn’t say if you are visiting New York or the Tri-State area “Spain” has to be on your list. But if you live in the area, love productions about spies, and can afford the play, check it out.
Overall
-
Stage Design - 85%
85%
-
The Question of Identity - 83%
83%
-
Jump To Modern Times - 74%
74%
-
A Lot Of Talking To Fill Up Time - 73%
73%
User Review
( votes)Pros
- The Question of Identity
- Stage Design
Cons
- A Lot Of Talking To Fill Up Time
- Jump To Modern Times
