Academic arguments
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Local Play Explores Midlife Crisis, Family Dynamics, and Shifting Beliefs
Chicago's Edge Theater is currently hosting the world premiere of Amy Crider's "Buddha's Birthday," a play directed by Iris Sowlat and produced by Lucid Theater. The play delves into the complexities of a woman's midlife crisis, exploring themes of faith, family relationships, and the clash between rational certainty and the embrace of the unknown.
The central character, Pamela, a history professor facing a tenure decision, is also grappling with the upcoming 80th birthday of her mother, Roberta. Her husband, Lawrence, a philosophy professor, finds himself embroiled in a debate with a campus group challenging the traditional academic canon. The arrival of their niece, Jennifer, triggers a series of events that challenge Pamela and Lawrence's established beliefs and their relationship.
The play contrasts Pamela's growing interest in Buddhist meditation with Lawrence's reliance on logic and his insistence on his own beliefs. The play highlights the differing perspectives on the value of academia, particularly through Jennifer's disinterest in pursuing higher education, which causes consternation for Roberta. The play opens with parallel lectures by Pamela and Lawrence, setting the stage for their contrasting viewpoints.
The script employs a Socratic approach, with characters questioning each other's motives and beliefs. While the play's plot developments are sometimes predictable, the script is considered intelligent and could benefit from some tightening. The play focuses on the connection between Pamela and Jennifer, highlighting the intergenerational sympathy between two women searching for meaning.
BNN's Perspective: "Buddha's Birthday" offers a thought-provoking exploration of personal growth and the challenges of navigating family dynamics. The play's focus on questioning established beliefs and embracing the unknown resonates with contemporary audiences. While the production may benefit from some refinement, the core themes of self-discovery and intergenerational understanding make it a worthwhile experience.
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