When we non-theatrical folks watch a live performance, we rarely think about the aches and pains that the actors, dancers, singers, and other live performers are going through. We focus on what we see on stage, not on the hernia surgery or cancer scares, or other physical maladies afflicting the people on stage. The performance is supposed to have that special quality above reality, and the cast and crew want that to be portrayed as well.
Thus, Me To Play is an eye-opening documentary, a behind-the-scenes look at two actors who are past their prime because they are both grappling with Parkinson’s disease. It impacts their movement, their speech, and their emotions. Throughout this intriguing documentary, they wonder aloud if this indeed will be their final curtain.
Dan Moran and Chris Jones are the main actors in this documentary. Both men are now dealing with stiffness of limbs, complex problems with speaking, and doing other essential things that most of us take for granted. It affects them (and their families and friends) in various ways: their emotional life, their careers, finances, their self-esteem, and their legacies.
Moran is the subject of more scenes in the documentary, and his particular manifestation of Parkinson’s is even more frustrating because it affects his speech, and his ability to deliver lines in the play. In the past, he often played the role of a tough guy in films. It is tough indeed for a tough guy to wrestle with Parkinson’s and its demands.
The goal of both men is to stage Endgame, a Samuel Beckett play, one time, and do it as professionally as possible. We also see clips of their past credits in film and TV. Both men had successful careers, but Parkinson’s has robbed them of the smooth continuation of acting in the manner with which they did previously.
We also are privy to their medical checkups, and navigation of daily tasks, and we hear from their spouses. It is painful and even heartbreaking, to hear and see what Parkinson’s has done to them. But there is also a survival instinct running through this film and through the people here; they are adapting; they are pushing forward. They become discouraged but persevere.
Endgame, published in 1957, is not an easy play (is any Samuel Beckett play easy?) and it challenges viewers (and those who act in it, direct it, and stage it) to confront concerns and fears about physical disability, aging, within society at large.
The film itself has a magical quality to it, with interspersed animated segments, and beautiful cinematography featuring New York City, especially Manhattan. This film is a kind of love letter to New York City and the theater community: the stage and screen inspire them and so does this city.
It is a very moving film, thoughtful yet frank, but it drags; crisper editing would have helped. The documentary features Central Park and various restaurants.
Me To Play will interest different viewers: theater aficionados, theater students, people who are dealing with Parkinson’s, and fans of New York City and the day-to-day of it. I could see this being used (in segments) in theater arts classrooms, and in medical and social work courses. It would make a good library screening experience. Educators could use this documentary in a classroom setting where Beckett’s work is being studied.
Other than occasional swear words, this is a mild film, not controversial, but demanding in watching people navigate the world with physical challenges.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Educators can add this educational documentary to their syllabus for courses on theater/acting, physical therapy, nursing., palliative care, and disability studies.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
It would be useful in an academic or public library film collection devoted to Parkinson's disease, or a collection about the acting profession, physical therapy, disability studies, and rights, as well as for devotees of Samuel Beckett's work
What can teachers use this documentary as an educational resource for?
Teachers can use this educational documentary as a resource for medical and therapeutic professionals who are working with Parkinson's patients and other degenerative diseases, and also advocates for disability rights.