It’s the year 1702, and physician John Floyer (Michael Zlabinger) and his wife Charlotte (Stephanie Wright Thompson) are living in China, where the doctor intends to learn as much as possible about the medicinal methods of the East. In order to do so he has recruited a serviceable translator by the name of Wang (Johnny Wu), who must mediate between him, and the wise Dr. Zhang (Ya Han Chang). The doctors engage in a comical battle of East vs. West, mostly concerning whose methods are more barbaric and strange. Zhang finds the concept of leeching absolutely disgusting, while Floyer describes acupuncture as “being pinched”.
As the two men engage in endless ideological debates, Wang has captured the attention of Charlotte, who discovers in him a perceptive, sensitive man, who unlike her husband - who merely uses her as a secretary - is actually interested in what she has to say and desires her sexually. As written by Megan Campisi, The Subtle Body is a play that makes acute observations about cultural differences, without relying on facile techniques. The problem is that in its execution, the show seems to forget whether it wants to be a farce or a stirring drama. When it tries to be both, it fails.
Zlabinger is hilarious as he plays John with affect and utter obliviousness to his wife’s needs, but when contrasted with Thompson’s slightly more self-aware dramatic mannerisms, you can’t help but wish these characters will be separated sooner rather than later. Thompson shines in scenes when she acts opposite Wu, who complements her romantic sense beautifully, and sometimes the two seem like they would fit perfectly in a 1940s black and white drama. Perhaps the most problematic element about this tonal imbalance is that you find yourself taking sides from the beginning, and whether you wish to see a farce or a drama, half the play will feel vastly more uninteresting than the other.
The scenic design by Cate McRea and the versatile costumes by Isabelle Coler effectively transport you to the time and setting, making for an inventive use of resources, as they transform the space in unexpected ways. The Subtle Body features an energetic ensemble that tries hard to convey the many ideas of the playwright; while not all of these ideas work, the last five minutes are flawless, and the show is charming enough to warrant a visit.
