Heads is a play that premiered in 2018 at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C. The show, which was written by E.M. Lewis, tells the story of two people who have survived a tragedy and are trying to find their way forward.
As with any play, Heads has a complex relationship with theater as an art form. Here, we'll explore some of the most important ways in which this work embodies what it means to be a play.
First and foremost, Heads is a performance; it's a work meant to be witnessed and experienced live. This quality is essential to all plays, as they're meant to be enacted onstage rather than simply read or studied like a book. Theater is a fundamentally immersive art form, and Heads is no exception. Its character-driven narrative is brought to life through dynamic performances, complete with set design, lighting, costume changes, and other theatrical techniques. The audience sees the characters navigate their unique struggles firsthand, and the very act of witnessing these events can be powerful and transformative.
One of the main reasons why so many people enjoy theater is its universality – while fiction can feel removed from our own lives, plays offer us stories that we can see ourselves in. Heads explores some universal themes such as love, loss, survival and healing - things that audiences can easily relate to. That being said, each theatergoer comes away with his or her own interpretation, coming to understand truths about life or art that are unique to them. This flexibility and subjectivity are part of what makes theater so special.
Another key aspect of Heads as a play is its reliance on language. While music and dance play big parts in certain shows, spoken dialogue is almost always the primary vehicle for storytelling in plays. The language used in Heads is precise and evocative, conveying meaning beyond what the words alone would suggest. Actor’s inflections and body language - in fact, all the non-verbal communication - is also vital to conveying emotion and establishing character throughout the play. Theater actors must be experts in this form of expression, honing their craft by practicing tirelessly night after night.
Finally, Heads is a work that challenges our assumptions and preconceived notions about the world and ourselves. Throughout the play, we see characters who are coping with unimaginable trauma and find themselves confronted with fundamental questions about what it means to be alive at all. The play does not offer easy answers or moralizing messages, but rather invites us to open up to new possibilities and way of thinking. And that's the wonder of theater; it creates spaces for people to ask these questions and explore these themes in ways that are both lyrical and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Heads is an exceptional example of a play that exemplifies many of the unique qualities that make theater such an important art form. By engaging audiences through deeply felt performances, universal themes, precise language, and deep engagement with empathy and dialogue, plays like this one remind us of the power of live theater to inform, entertain, challenge, and connect.