GIBBERISH MOSTLY, a new play by Max Langert, is an examination of a family dealing with a child suffering from a neurological disorder. In this case, we are talking about severe autism, and what is being examined is how and why choices are made. In the case of severe autism, it isn't that communication has broken down, but, rather that it is almost impossible.
While Langert's script has a lot to say, it suffers from clarity of message. The failure to communicate that is experienced between daughter and parent extends to a failure to communicate between playwright and audience. We, as an audience, are left trying to figure out just what is going on. There are four characters here but communication only happens between couples. Director Lisa Scheps has done a terrific job establishing the two worlds. The scenic design, which is uncredited, other than consultation and construction credited to Chris Conard and Kevin Squires, is terrific. One side is sunny, the other is devoid of color and all of it is in a sort of forced perspective that tells you that the world you are viewing is off. Similarly, the lighting design by Marissa Grace Johnson supports then action of the play well. Patti Neff-Tiven has also done a great job with the props.Videos