Dulcy Rogers plays Claire and her aunts in “I Am A Tree” at Theatre at St Clement’s. Photo © Carol Rosegg.
Do our life choices or our genetics make us strong? Can a descent into madness be inevitable?
In "I Am A Tree" at the Theatre at St. Clement's through June 30th, Claire (Dulcy Rogers) is in search of the truth about her mother's slide into insanity. Claire is seeking to find her better and fearless self, as she explores her family's past.
Dulcy Rogers as Claire's aunt Lillian in “I Am A Tree” at Theatre at St Clement’s. Photo © Carol Rosegg.
Claire's quest leads her to visit her long-lost aunts (all played by Rogers, who also wrote the play), each of whom remember her mother differently.
Aunt Aurelia recalls her as an ethereal being. Lillian reminisces about partying and flirting. Only Aunt Lou admits to the possibility that Claire's mother may have gone mad. Unfortunately, the charm of these encounters wears thin. "I Am A Tree" quickly devolves into a pretentious ramble.
Dulcy Rogers makes too many claims for exceptionalism for Claire. Her father is a renowned scientist; her mother may have invented the fuzzy navel (for those of you not up on your bartending, equal parts peach schnapps and orange juice are the favored ingredients.) Her aunts are also extremely accomplished; Aurelia is some sort of UN ambassador, Lillian is vaguely theatrical, and Aunt Lou a cross-dressing wise woman. Many of these assertions in "I Am A Tree," which is subtitled "an unstable comedy," are in the interests of humor, of course, which is very broad.
Each aunt is a distinguishable character, or perhaps caricature, with distinct physical quirks and vocal ticks, which to be fair, Rogers pulls off well enough. High marks in this production go to Neil Patel whose minimalist set is both simple and dramatic.
For more information and for tickets for "I Am A Tree", visit "Iamatreetheplay"
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