Review: TRIBES Stimulates at University of Northern Colorado

"In a world so divided by hatred, misunderstanding and distrust, I hope Tribes will show us how we can truly commune, connect and understand each other as a global TRIBE." - Matthew Herrick

Such a powerful quote from the director of University of Northern Colorado's production of Tribes, Nina Raine's provocative and often very funny drama in which a deaf man learns to find his way in a world where everyone needs to be heard.

When three adult siblings, Dan (Graeme Schulz), Ruth (Sophie Klein) and Billy (guest artist Michelle Mary Schaefer) move back home with their opinionated parents (Jordan Roberts and Yasmine Youssefi) the chaos of this "tribal" unit hits a new high-even for Billy who's deaf. Dysfunctional does not even begin to describe it; however, that is the charm of this piece. After all, dysfunctional families are universal. Amongst all the dysfunction, what Billy hears and doesn't hear, says and doesn't say, is at the heart of Tribes. We are forced to consider what happens when Billy decides to seek a new conversation. When Billy meets Sylvia (stunningly portrayed by Kallie Linder), a woman who is losing her hearing, she introduces him to the deaf community and he begins to see himself as part of a different tribe. As he starts to learn American Sign Language (ASL), he finally discovers the power of his own voice.

As a whole this production, masterfully directed by Matthew Herrick, is like peeking in on a family as if you were a fly on the wall. The characters are unabashedly themselves, no matter who is invited to dinner and the cast is a true ensemble with a very natural chemistry. Schaefer, who is deaf, leads the cast capturing Billy's journey in a poignantly nuanced performance that grows increasingly confident as the show progresses. Roberts, as the cranky father Christopher, evokes a feeling of Scottish actor Peter Capaldi, and Youseffi, as Matriarch Beth, has a refreshing charm and quick wit.

One of the most difficult parts of the production is keeping up with what's being said while it is also being signed. This is done by the use of projector screens on each wall of the theatre. But isn't that the beauty of this piece? It brings multiple "tribes" together forcing not only the characters, but the audience to adapt and empathize. And let's be honest. In the global climate of today, adaptation and empathy are not a bad thing.

Tribes plays at University of Northern Colorado's Norton Theatre thru October 2nd. Tickets are available at tickets.unco.edu or by calling the box office at 970-351-2200.

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