A CRITIC ON THE VERGE

Fiasco Theater’s revival of Susan Glaspell’s
1921 drama leaves more questions than answers

The cast of Fiasco Theater’s production of The Verge at The Public Theater

Susan Glaspell’s 1921 drama The Verge, about a woman on the edge of—something—has been revived this season by Fiasco Theater. The name of the company couldn’t be more apt.

Noah Brody and Miriam Silverman

It’s hard to understand why anyone would want to touch this dense, archaic, incomprehensible, and often over-the-top piece of writing. When the dialogue doesn’t put you to sleep, it may make you laugh, and not in a good way.

Emily Young and Miriam Silverman

Nevertheless, director Jessie Austrian has put considerable effort into the production. Set designer Lawrence E. Moten III has created a lovely greenhouse where the heroine, Claire Archer (Miriam Silverman), grows the plants that are somehow so central to the story. Sarita P. Fellows’ costumes are charming.

Devin E. Haqq and Noah Brody

But what is this play about? What exactly is Claire so unhappy about? Is her husband Harry (Noah Brody), who only wants her to be happy, really so awful? And is her lover, Dick (Devin E. Haqq), much better? Why does she have so little interest in her grown daughter, Elizabeth (Amara Leonard)? What’s going on with her longtime friend, Tom (Paco Tolson)? What does she have against her sister, Adalaide (Emily Young)?

Miriam Silverman and Paco Tolson

None of these questions is answered by the play’s startling and unconvincing conclusion.

Perhaps we can forgive Glaspell her clunky language, but certainly not the actors’ stiff delivery. Every time they uttered the words “gay” and “queer” with their original meanings, I wondered if others in the audience shivered as I did.

Paco Tolson, Devin E. Haqq, and Amara Leonard

If this play is trying to make a statement about feminism (Claire wears pants), it certainly does not inspire confidence that women can run anything, even their own lives.

Miriam Silverman

The Verge is more like an emotional debate than a drama. It’s hard to imagine even the most talented cast making it work. Certainly Silverman creates a consistent, if not very believable, character. But most of the time, the actors rush on and off stage, trying to find a play.

Paul L. Coffey

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photos by Valerie Terranova

The Verge
Fiasco Theater and The Public Theater
LuEsther Hall at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., New York
2 hours, including one intermission
Tue–Sun at 7:30; Sat & Sun at 1:30 (check for schedule exceptions)
ends on November 29, 2026
for tickets, call 212.967.7555 or visit The Public Theater

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