Scientific Method at Rivendell Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...It takes a few scenes for Davis' story - which is initially top-heavy with scientific discussion - to find its emotional footing in de Mayo's staging. But when it does, it feels explosive and sorrowful all at once. Gasps of recognition - particularly from women - arose regularly from the audience at the performance I attended. This "Scientific Method" may inspire a very unscientific "burn it all down" response from those who know in their gut what it feels like to be passed over and kicked down by a sexist and racist institution."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...It's all interesting enough, despite the occasional misstep into scientific overkill (metaphors don't readily emerge from polypeptide folding, despite the playwright's efforts). But little coheres until Amy discovers a possible betrayal by a fellow researcher, and suddenly her doomed efforts to get her due in a system rigged to favor the world's Julians becomes a thrilling, harrowing ride. Director Devon de Mayo's ideal cast make the finale of this Rivendell world premiere worth waiting for."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...Devon de Mayo has crafted a tight and well-balanced ensemble of her cast. Indeed, the only character that seems slightly underdeveloped is Marie Healy and that is certainly no fault of Carmen Roman, who gives her an august, yet wry and bemused edge, especially in her encounters with Julian. It's just that 20 years being the lone female scientist in a more intractably sexist culture than Amy or Makayla have endured—surely there are many tales to be told there, for another day, for another play."

WTTW - Highly Recommended

"...Devon de Mayo’s razor-sharp direction, and Lauren Nichols’ lab-on-wheels set, are stunningly enhanced by Anthony Churchill’s grand-scale color projections showing the molecular mechanism of protein-folding in cells."

The Hawk Chicago - Recommended

"...Through the engaging story of an intelligent young woman’s experience working in a male-dominated lab, playwright Jenny Connell Davis exposes just how deeply entrenched these systems of discrimination are. While somewhat predictable, the script successfully challenges audiences to consider the complexity of engendering sustainable change. Coupled with a talented cast and well-designed set, Rivendell once again creates the perfect formula for a powerful theatrical experience."

TotalTheater - Highly Recommended

"...Sexism, Racism, cronyism, backbiting, misappropriation of funds, intellectual property theft and general ass-covering in the academic world is no news these days, but when the arena is a research lab and the hostage is a cure for cancer, the stakes are considerably higher. The lab supervisor may huff "This isn't personal—it's science," but playwright Davis deftly avoids restricting women's STEM-related problems to hormonal issues (thus affirming society's now-disproportionate obsession with female chastity) to launch a diatribe on administrative politics and the elevation of manipulation over merit as an obstacle to the humane goals professed by those profiting therefrom."