The Altruists, Boxer Rebellion Theater, and The Altruists, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company. Nicky Silver’s satirical look at the subculture of professional activism, now being offered in two productions, seems especially painful in light of recent political developments. Just what we need: a play that sets up a clique of crypto-rich kids as poster children for the American left, then exposes them for the hypocrites they are. As with the election, I still can’t decide what’s worse–the implicit affirmation of conservative cant, or that it’s all for the sake of a glorified sitcom. In any case, The Altruists is overwritten and tamer than it thinks.
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In their own ways both are strong shows, but Silver’s endless TV-inspired crosscutting slowly destroys their momentum. And if Boxer Rebellion’s is more commendable in most respects, when it comes to the pacing nightmare of the denouement–which any real sitcom writer would get fired for–Mary-Arrchie’s raw approach at least feels briefer.
