COMMITTED - Rogue Machine Theatre at The Matrix

Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck

Playing on the main stage the Rogue Machine Theatre production in the Matrix Theatre is the show Committed? --magnificently written and performed by Lisa Robins and created as "A Ritual for Robbie," her brother. Successfully directed by Mitch Levine, this solo performance play has a short run and is highly recommended for multiple reasons. Besides the incredible acting and directing, the audience experiences the healing of a survivor who has lost a loved one to suicide, and the damage left behind from unanswered questions and guilt.

After over 30 years of suppressing the pain of grief, wrapped in her misery, blaming herself for not doing more to save her brother, who she loved and cared for so deeply, Lisa Robins manages to face the negative effects of her brother's suicide and complete the ritual of grief. She needed to do it for others, and for herself, no longer tortured by the questions, "why did the boy jump off the bridge" and "what kind of sister am I that I could not stop him?"

It wasn't on her radar that mental illness was in her family or that the boy hid behind a facade of sanity because he felt trapped in pain, just wanting to get out and be free from it. He was tired of therapies and medications which destroyed him. Committing to life would be a favorable choice for the whole family, but there is another aspect to all of that; When it is somebody's time to go, there is nothing we can do to stop it. No matter how much we love someone, how close we are to them and would love to save them, God's wil, will always prevail.

The collaboration between the writer/performer and the director started years ago, with the bubble of being cocooned during the pandemic. Director Mitch Levine helped Lisa develop her vision without shame or fear. Her passion and courage to share this story helps others to open their hearts to healing. "When our wounds cease to be source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers." - Carl Jung   

A note from the Director, "This production of Committed? marks the culmination of a years-long collaboration with Lisa. It has been a deep dive into a life journey that encompasses remarkable artistry and great loss. We explored many ways to create this Ritual for Robbie and bring it to the stage. We hope that it will have meaning to all of you and deepen your understanding of the challenges that so many among us face. It reveals the fragility of life, the uncertainty of fate, but also the joy and resilience of the human soul. I'm grateful to have taken this journey with her. In the end, Committed? Is a remarkable celebration of life."

In this very personal play, we get to know Lisa. She is a powerhouse, so flexible, natural, and beautiful inside and out. Very much in control of every movement, and every unpredictable moment that she has made into a part of the show supports the standing ovation so well deserved after this performance. Her beautiful, pleasant, and kind smile warms the hearts of the audience, even the Rabbi that was present during the post-performance talkback gave her a Blessing. A powerful voice and mesmerizing performance!