The modern myth of the superhero is a kind of wish fulfilment, though the concept of the “superman” or ubermensch comes from Friedrich Nietzsche’s 1883 work, Thus Spake Zarathustra. His idea was that humans would continually improve; a more ideal form is waiting for people in the future. Comic books find ways to speed along this evolution.
So, we watch stories of heroes who fly, cannot be hurt, cannot be touched or, in some cases, are billionaires using their wealth for good. A real fantasy.
Emilie Collyer’s new play, Super, which is currently running at Red Stitch Actor’s Theatre, is interested in more intimate powers that might help you day-to-day. Phoenix (Lucy Ansell) has the ability to dissipate someone’s anger; calm them down without a fight. Rae (Caroline Lee) brings people into her emotional vulnerability; if she cries, everyone else cries. And Nel (Laila Thacker) is so efficient, she can do the most basic tasks in the blink of an eye – and she can whip up a spreadsheet that will blow your mind.
The origin story of Collyer’s latest dramatic work begins with a year of treatment for breast cancer. Her experience is deeply embedded in the play; these characters have been misdiagnosed or otherwise mistreated by the medical establishment. Their powers are pathologized or dismissed and they have to form their own support group to work their way through these radical changes.
Phoenix is desperate to use her new ability ethically and with empathy. Nel has helped local clubs with fundraising, but is starting to think bigger. Everything changes when Rae, a TV chef, comes into their lives. Her instinct is to use their powers to help the community in a much broader way. She trades on her celebrity to get them a gig hosting a new show – So You Think You’re a Superhero? All of a sudden, their good intentions have to reckon with capitalism. They’ve all got to make money somehow, right?
Superhero movies don’t worry so much about the reality of how their alter ego humans have to pay the bills. Clark Kent is a reporter for The Daily Planet and as Superman he easily gets the scoop. Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark are both billionaires, though, so Batman and Iron Man don’t have to worry about making ends meet.
The women of Super try not to use the word hero. Phoenix is worried what it might do to her ego. But the longer they live with these powers and the more famous they get, each of them are tested. All three are so desperate to help, they are starting to lose sight of what brought them together in the first place.
Under the direction of Emma Valente, Super explodes onto the stage – the colourfully costumed characters running and tumbling through the stark white, Swiss cheese set. Collyer’s simple premise and intimate character interactions swell to fill the space, turning even the simplest of interactions into a vivid display of action.
Ansell, Lee and Thaker are a dynamic trio of performers. They play Collyer’s comic dialogue with ease and then deftly zip into the dramatic moments.
Romanie Harper’s set allows for entrances and exits that are surprising each and every time. Her costumes are evocative of the bold block colours of comic book heroes, but they are also intricate and delicate in a way that Superman’s or Wonder Woman’s outfits never would be.
Natalia Velasco Moreno’s lighting design is playful and expressive. Beau Esposito’s sound design thrums with life underneath it all.
There are moments in this production when time is passing and we’re treated to something akin to a movie montage, which should fly by, but the transitions drag a little. The hopping up and out of the round windows and the holes in the floor is energic for the most part; occasionally it’s awkward and you wish they really could fly through these things.
The final moments of the play, a kind of coda that grounds the tale in reality feels a little pat. The metaphor of what is happening to these women throughout the play is clearly articulated and there’s a thrilling rush in watching three women push aside the expectations of the patriarchy that not long ago would have locked them up for their super empathy or super emotions.
Super is a clever excavation of our dream to be more than what we really are, grappling with a society that forces us to question our own power – super or not.
Super is showing at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre until July 6. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website.
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