The Cay at the IRT

The Cay, a youth novel set on a deserted island during World War II, has been ably adapted to the screen, and now the stage by Gayle Cornelison, and brought to life at the Indiana Repertory Theatre through Feb. 26 on the Upperstage. While marketing to young people, the play is also an insightful study of interdependence and survival, fighting prejudices and the elements that will speak to audiences of all ages.
Phillip, a rather entitled boy from Virginia, is put on a ship from Curacao off the coast of Venezuala at the beginning of World War II for his own safety. However, a German U-boat destroys the ship and Phillip is saved by an older black man Timothy, who creates a makeshift raft from debris, and a cat dubbed Stew Cat. Timothy is patient but disdainful as Phillip’s bigotry (learned from his parents) and tantrums put him at risk. Philip loses his sight, and must depend on Timothy for his survival. They find a small island, and Timothy lands the raft, and makes plans for their survival and rescue. The two collect rainwater, build a hut and track the days by putting pebbles in a can. Philip and Timothy must overcome their disdain for each other to survive, and work to get rescued. A friendship develops, and Philip becomes more independent, learning to survive on his own. After a hurricane hits the island, Timothy dies, and Phillip, blind and devastated, buries him. The boy eventually is rescued by a passing boat, and he emerges wiser.
Director Richard J. Roberts brings out the best in Dalyn Stewart as Phillip, and David Alan Anderson as Timothy, to great effect. Scenic designer Eric Barker built a sparse set that allows the actor’s words to stand out, with deconstructed metal palm trees and not much else to distract.
The Cay will be at the IRT through Feb. 26. Visit irtlive.com for show times and ticket prices.