Gardeners are not generally hailed as the aggressive or violent type. They are typically characterized as passive and complete their daily chores silently. But in British writer Jez Butterworth’s new comedy, The Night Heron, two out-of-work gardeners find themselves battling an oppressive religious cult.
Butterworth, who is hailed in the theater community as a rising star, presents his second major production at the Steep Theatre, 3902 N. Sheridan Ave. His first work, Mojo, was an irreverent murder-comedy staged at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater. The Night Heron follows in the same vein, using dark comedy to explore the story of the two gardeners.
Jess and Griffin, the gardeners, once tended the grounds at the prestigious Cambridge University. Encountering a misfortune, they lose their jobs. They retreat to a decaying cottage where they have no choice but to bitterly amble through life. The duo decides to take in another roommate, but ends up with a forceful ex-con who turns the tables on the gardeners.
The script, at first sight, appears to be simple, yet as the plot progresses, it’s also confusing. A more pointed examination reveals deceptive sophistication. Butterworth subtly alludes to the Fall of Man and a loss of pastoral innocence. As the plot unfolds, the characters seem to become more and more malevolent. Their decisions appear to be random and counterproductive; however, this contradiction does effectively produce laughter. The play seems to be incoherent at times, but the dark satire and comedy shine through beautifully.
The Night Heron is playing at the Steep Theatre through March 25. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Tickets are available by calling the Steep Theatre box office at (312) 458-0722.
– Michael Burgner