Performed by The Hilo Educational Repertory Theater
Reviewed by Dawn Hurwitz
Sometimes I just get overwhelmed with the feeling of being lucky to live in Hawaii. Today, was one of those moments. While we usually write about Puna, this story needs to highlight the collective talent held here on the Big Island. East Hawaii Cultural Center is one of our treasures. Once an old police station, today it’s an art gallery with an intimate theater space upstairs. Over the last 35 years of calling this island home, I’ve witnessed many world class art shows and plays, even participated as an emcee and host
to a Japanese designer fashion show. Since Covid, going to large gatherings has not been on the radar, but today was different. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was the matinee in the upstairs theater. It did not disappoint.
Nurse Ratchet taking control of a session
I read Ken Kesey’s story in the late 60s and saw the movie, but watching a theatrical production in close proximity is pretty darn special! Plus the acting was so solid with every character. They came out strong from the start directed by Larry Reitzer. Romeo Garcia portraying Chief Bromden owned the stage, and when the two Aides, played by Christ Kocian and Jason Aiwohi Tomlin, entered and began to berate and belittle the Chief, my heart immediately jumped for him. I got pissed off at the lack of respect from the Aides. Enter Nurse Ratchet, played by Cynthia Jeffery, so accurately coifed by Mitch Hale. She brought that stern voice of fear, the you’re not going to get anything over on me attitude with a touch of double trouble if you even try. It was a stellar performance, though I craved for her to be even a tiny bit more acerbic. She did give us what we wanted and the audience was grateful when McMurphy finally let go on her after Billy, sensitively played by Kayden DeSa, committed suicide, which Ratchet pushed him to.
The inmates performing some unapproved activities
It occurred to me this is not a story for Millenials or those after them, they wouldn’t understand, and they would be chanting for this production to shut down, not having patience for the history of mental illness. Today it’s not very woke.
Nurse Ratchet humiliating Billy
Back in the day, it was a vitally important story. Mental Illness was not understood widely and even simple temporary
issues of depression were treated with maligning therapies leaving permanent damage. Or people were just shipped off to the looney bins because their own families didn’t know how or wish to take part in their healing. Cuckoo’s Nest broke this narrative wide open and made people see what was truly going on with what had become so commonplace and acceptable in treating mental infirmness. Today it is a travesty and mental health is handled with a more broad-minded sensitive touch. If you don’t know the story, by all means, go to the library, or rent the original film, because sadly our little star production in Hilo is past its run.
McMurphy suffering the consequences of his behavior
Curtain Call
