A SHOUTING SHAME
On the Evolutionary Function of Shame—which Second Stage Theater opened on February 26 at The Pershing Square Signature Center—ambitiously tackles complex themes of identity, family, and the moral dilemmas surrounding gender dysphoria, transphobia, and eugenics. While undeniably thought-provoking and timely, its execution at times overwhelms with excessive dramatics and shouting.
Elizabeth Ramos and Jordan Barbour
At 90 intermissionless minutes, D.A. Mindell‘s play intertwines two parallel storylines—one set in biblical times and the other in the modern era. The A-story follows Adam (Jordan Barbour) and Eve (Elizabeth Ramos) after their banishment from Eden, engaging in an almost absurdist exchange over Adam’s small penis. Perhaps intended as a humorous counterpoint to the weightier themes to come, it instead feels like a comedic sketch rather than the start of a theatrical piece. Given Adam has never seen another man, let alone another penis, his distress over size seems illogical. Other scenes explore their anguish over who took the first bite of the forbidden fruit and whether God has set them up for survival or demise, culminating in digging graves for Cain and Abel. Eve’s lingering guilt echoes throughout: “I want the good back.” But Adam counters, “We can’t get it back. But we could get—different good. Could you try?”
Ryan Jamaal Swain and Cody Sloan
The more compelling B-story follows twin siblings Adam 2 and Eve 2, who first appear in a doctor’s office. Eve 2, a doctor at the Eden Project—a futuristic clinic that eliminates unwanted fetal conditions—performs a sonogram on her brother. While the clinic boasts the ability to remove diseases and allergies, Adam 2, a trans man, grapples with its capacity to “fix” gender dysphoria. His non-binary partner, Fox, shares his apprehension. Eve 2, though well-intentioned, must confront her unconscious transphobia as she stands by a practice that could erase trans identities.
Kayli Carter and Imani Russell
The play’s thematic connections to Jonathan Tolins’ Twilight of the Golds (1993) are unmistakable, both exploring the ethical tension between scientific progress and personal identity. Twilight identifies the gay gene and offers to eliminate it, building tension through careful storytelling. Mindell’s work updates the situation with identifying the markers for gender dysphoria.
Jordan Barbour and Elizabeth Ramos
Cody Sloan’s Adam 2 delivers a performance marked by relentless anguish, making it difficult to fully empathize with him. Ryan Jamaal Swain’s Fox provides some grounding moments, but their attempts to ease Adam’s anxiety feel futile amidst the chaos. Kayli Carter’s Eve 2 undergoes the most compelling transformation, evolving from scientific pragmatism to moral reckoning, with support from her assistant Margot (Imani Russell). However, these nuanced moments are often overshadowed by persistent shouting and turmoil.
Ryan Jamaal Swain and Kayli Carter
Director Jess McLeod maintains an unrelentingly high emotional pitch throughout, which diminishes the play’s final impact. Without tonal variation, much of the intended comedy is lost, and the audience’s emotional engagement wanes. By the climactic family confrontation at their father’s birthday party, the incessant arguing feels exhausting rather than poignant.
Kayli Carter and Cody Sloan
Despite its flaws, On the Evolutionary Function of Shame is an ambitious and necessary work, engaging with urgent social issues that demand discussion. While the execution does not fully do justice to its thought-provoking premise, it nonetheless challenges the audience to reflect on the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the deeply personal nature of identity. With a more measured directorial approach and refinements to future revisions, this could be a powerful addition to contemporary theater’s exploration of gender and ethics.
Kayli Carter and Cody Sloan
photos by Joan Marcus
On the Evolutionary Function of Shame
Second Stage Theater
a Next Stage Festival production
Irene Diamond Stage
Pershing Square Signature Center, 408 West 42nd St.
90 minutes with no intermission
ends on March 9, 2025
for tickets, call 212.541.4516 visit 2st
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Cody Sloan and Ryan Jamaal Swain
