Beef, Road Rage, Netflix and the Theatre
Streaming services are dominating the entertainment industry. Netflix, in particular, has had some fantastic shows that have garnered high ratings, such as their current top hit “Beef.” This comedy-drama miniseries created by Korean director Lee Sung Jin stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as Danny Cho and Amy Lau. The show explores the story of two people whose involvement in a road rage incident pits them against each other. Reviews are calling it invigorating, riveting, and astounding.
What is it about road rage that is so universal? Let’s explore some theatrical interpretations of the theme.
“Road Rage” by Elizabeth Hemmerdinger
Elizabeth Hemmerdinger is an award-winning documentary film producer, playwright, and screenwriter. She is the producer of feature documentaries such as “Perfectly Normal for Me,” “Capturing The Flag,” and “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,” which was named one of the five essential documentaries of 2013 by the Tribeca Film Institute. Her plays and musicals have received productions, workshops, and residencies at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Kennedy Center, and the Provincetown Theater, among others. Her published plays, “Squall,” “Road Rage,” and “Pissed Sister,” are available through Playscripts, Inc.
“Road Rage” is a one-act play that lasts between 12 and 15 minutes. It features two women, Janine and Sheilah, who are best friends. They have been friends since high school and are driving home from dinner when Sheilah reveals that she plans to leave her husband. Janine doesn’t take it seriously, but Sheilah eventually confesses that her husband has become increasingly violent, and her children are in jeopardy. The two friends have a long road ahead of them, but at least they will take on this journey together.
“Road Rage” by Leonard Goodisman
If you’re looking for a different “Road Rage” experience, you might want to consider the one-act comedy play by Leonard Goodisman. In this play, a woman enters a man’s office, indicating that she is a messenger. The man shows his annoyance and pretends he is not who she is looking for, but it turns out she is not who she says she is. Eventually, she reveals who she is and why she is there and takes him through various stages of emotion, leading to a dramatic climax.
Leonard Goodisman has written about a dozen full-length plays and more than a dozen one-act plays. Some have won prizes, and several have been produced locally in Seattle, Washington, and New York. “Road Rage” and “Apartment 4G” won in the 2010-2011 Ink to Boards One-Act Play Competition at Wildfire Arts.
What’s your preference?
Whether you prefer to explore road rage in the form of a popular streaming series like “Beef” or experience it live in the theatre, there’s no denying the enduring fascination with this particular human emotion. From comedic takes on the topic to more serious explorations of its consequences, road rage continues to be a subject that resonates with audiences. Whether it’s through streaming, live performance, or even in our own lives, it’s important to remember to stay calm behind the wheel and avoid letting our emotions get the best of us.
