In an unconventional exploration of the impending fate of three factory farm chickens, humour finds this tragic story in the performance of the Underbelly’s 3 Chickens Confront Existence.
Through the personas of the three chickens, the play considers the existential question of mortality in a meaningless existence through the revelations of how the human (or rather the chicken) condition copes with imminent death. Helen (Audrey Rapoport), a former egg-laying hen strives to find gratitude and acceptance in the little they have, Brosenan (Matthew DiLoreto), the group realist is hopeless and bored, while Reginald (Eric Kirchberger) grows obsessed with creating a formula that will successfully predict when each section will be brought to the broiler.
While this play weaves thoughtful insights into discussions of mortality through the varied personas of the three chickens in a factory farm, the play’s tone grows confusing at times through its layering of humour on top of these morbid themes. Cashing out on overdone chicken jokes, like why the chicken crossed the road, the play’s humour felt out of place and distracted from the rich storytelling.
However, where the play fell short in humour, the decisive set and lighting made up for. A cage lit up by a single, looming spotlight demanded absolute focus onto the three chicken and the impressive costuming of a sea of red, white and black feathers fully transformed the actors into chickens. These decisions crafted an immersive experience that made audiences step into the absurdity of this surrealist performance, leaving realism behind.
3 Chickens Confront Existence is an absurdist piece that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. While it may not appeal to everyone’s taste in humour, the play delivers important discussions on mortality and the search for meaning beneath its comedic surface.
3 Chickens Confront Existence is running until 24 August at Belly Button at Underbelly, Cowgate.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Lexi Grabokski, provided to The Student to use as press material.