Theatre Review: Nomad Motel Hosts Abandoned Children
Although we all know the stories of kids abandoned by their parents or a parent, we still believe that a “parent-child” relationship is automatic. We expect a parent to instantly love, guide, protect, and feel the motivation to do all these things. Yet, Nomad Motel is the story of teens left to decide whether their parents’ abandonment and cruelty will truly destroy their future.
It is traumatizing to know and experience a parent that does NOT care if you live or die; enter Molly Griggs’ Alix, Christopher Larkin’s Mason, and Ian Duff’s Oscar. Each actor plays their character at an emotional crux that is devastating; the realization that you are the only one that has your back. Oscar lives in an abandoned, convenience store while escaping the foster system, Alix’s mom, Samantha Mathis’ as Fiona, blatantly tells her she is on her own, and Mason is, literally, on his own. Hence, their epiphany lies in seeing that they cannot be kids/ teens; they have to be their own adult
Written by Carla Ching, the power of Nomad Motel lies in its younger cast’s charm. Alix is smart, strong, and confused as to how both protect or push away her vulnerability. Griggs gives Alix the biggest, hardened heart, which is so tragic. She is a young girl that would love to soften, but, when you witness a mother make so many bad mistakes as a woman, it is hard to even want to feel. Mathis, too, plays Fiona with an embittered edge; a woman that self-pities herself while making irresponsible decisions. She treats her kids like consequences rather than gifts, but Mason’s dad, Andrew Pang’s James, is by far worse. His child is not simply a consequence, but a burden he must break down.
It sucks to have a parent remind you that they HAVE to take care of you; as if you are a ball and chain tied to their leg. Pang plays James with such a discontent even vitriol for his meeker son that you understand Mason’s pained quietness. Larkin plays Mason with a shy confusion, that builds into a world of sentiments, as his dad disappears and then violently returns; proving his verbal abuse could become physical. Meanwhile, the few scenes with Oscar have Duff playing him like a charming survivalist; struggling to make weighty, loyal connections, which lead him to cold decisions.
Directed by Ed Sylvanus Iskandar, Nomad Motel is like a character analysis on how children develop relationships despite parents that failed to teach them. “Broken Home” is by far a category each teen can check in this play, but the show gives glimmers of hope that they can heal. In essence, you need others to hurt you, but you only need yourself to heal. By the end of this 2 hour show, with a 10 minute intermission, you grow to respect Mason and Alix as two teens learning to love and care for each other in contrast to their parents’ shown selfishness. Nomad Motel plays until June 23 at The Atlantic Theater; located on 330 W. 16th St. Click Here To Buy Tickets.
