The View from Nowhere at Park Theatre

The View from Nowhere narrates the journey of biochemist Prez, and his assistant in his fight for proving the carcinogenic properties of a leading herbicide. Playwright Chuck Anderson drives us through the moral implications of those who choose to keep spreading the herbicide’s use despite the potential consequences, as we see the two researchers crashing into the reality of the corporate world in a dialectical and emotional battle.

The piece is told as a back-and-forth between the lab and the office corporation where the company PR and her colleague plan how to manage the communication crisis they are about to confront. Although this seems a story only scientists could feel familiar with, the truth is that the dilemma beyond the main plot can relate to each member of the audience, since it makes us question the nature of what should be done for the greater good. Every actor delivers an amazing performance; Emma Mulkern is flawless as the nervous and broken-inside assistant. She provides the most dramatic performance and the point of conflict in the plot that helps keep it moving forward.

Park 90 offers a very intimate space where the stage is partially shared with the audience. The purpose is in delivering a play from both points of view, from a broad perspective, far from the characters motivations and closer to a façade – and the more intimate and direct speech to the audience portrays character flaws and allows us to feel compassion for them.

Chuck Anderson pays special attention to the intrinsic fight for social justice behind the self-importance of the main character, Prez. His eccentric appearance and humble beginnings have transformed him into the proud and helplessly altruistic man he is now. It’s him against the world for the best of causes. However, Anderson never gives an easy response to the question we all ask: “Which one would be able save more lives?”.

Maria Barrios

The View from Nowhere is at Park Theatre from 27th June until 22nd July 2017. For further information or to book visit here.