Theater Review: Icognito

SARASOTA – In 1955, a pathologist in Princeton, New Jersey stole Albert Einstein’s brain during an autopsy. True story. Even if it is seldom mentioned in Einstein’s biography, it is the starting point of Nick Payne’s fascinating play, Incognito, which opened Urbanite Theatre’s season on Friday night.

If you’re familiar with Payne’s work, you know to expect the unexpected. The 34 year-old British playwright breaks many traditions of the stage and often works in non-linear narratives and existential themes. Nothing is spoon fed and complete attention must be given by the audience. If you’re up for the task, however, Incognito delivers an affecting, thought-provoking piece of theater in just 90 minutes with no intermission.

Payne explores Dr. Thomas Harvey, the pathologist in question, who is convinced that groundbreaking revelations lie somewhere within the grey matter of perhaps history’s most famous scientist. Einstein’s brain was never able to reveal any mysteries, but Henry Molaison’s was. Around the same time, Henry underwent an experimental procedure in which his hippocampus was removed in order to prevent crippling epileptic seizures.

It worked, except for the fact that Henry was never able to form new memories and would even forget who he was talking to during a conversation, rebooting as if they’d never met. However, the study of his brain after his passing helped scientists greatly expand their understanding of memory, the brain, and brain disease. Henry’s story is interwoven with Dr. Harvey’s, along with several others that eventually tie in to form a somewhat coherent narrative about the mind, memory, identity and relationships.

Despite somewhat languid dialog, the play moves at a surprisingly brisk, almost frantic pace, with just four actors–none of which leave the stage–performing no less than 21 parts. Scenes shift at the turn of a shoulder or the recasting of a stage light, yet the audience is pulled along by beautiful transitions and deeply inhabited roles.

Talented young in-house director Daniel Kelly does a masterful job of pulling off what one can only imagine is at times a maddening production. He’s assisted by Urbanite co-artistic director Brendan Ragan, whose Henry is played with poignant elegance. Matt Crabtree returns to Sarasota after more than two decades to turn in a masterful performance as the oddball pathologist, Thomas, and Sunny Smith gives several good turns, particularly as a young clinician whose uncertain parentage ties into the story line. Florida Studio Theatre vet Brooke Tyler Benson shines in several supporting roles, including Henry’s wife.

Incognito is a whip-smart piece of theater for the thinking man or woman who enjoys a bit of depth in their stagecraft and doesn't mind experimentation in forms. It runs through July 8. Visit Urbanite’s website for ticket and calendar information.