John

In John, a young couple faces relationship challenges at a B&B, surrounded by inanimate observers, exploring themes of mortality and solitude.

Set in a quaint Bed & Breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, John unfolds in the week following Thanksgiving. The story centers around a cheerful innkeeper and a young couple grappling with their relationship. As they navigate their challenges, they are surrounded by a multitude of inanimate objects that seem to observe their every move. This seemingly simple premise serves as a backdrop for Annie Baker's exploration of deeper themes.

In John, Baker masterfully intertwines hyper-realism with elements of the supernatural, creating an atmosphere that invites both actors and audiences to reflect on profound questions of self, mortality, and solitude. The interactions between the characters reveal the complexities of human connection, as the couple's struggles are magnified by the eerie presence of the objects that surround them. This unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary encourages viewers to contemplate their own lives and relationships.

As the play progresses, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leading to moments of introspection and revelation. John challenges traditional notions of theater, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and thoughts that resonate long after the final curtain. Baker's ability to craft a world that feels both familiar and unsettling makes this play a captivating experience for all who encounter it.