‘Lungs’ at Tipping Point Theatre: A Raw Exploration of Love, Responsibility, and Climate Anxiety
Tipping Point Theatre’s Season 17 concludes with a poignant and thought-provoking production of Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs, running now until June 1, 2025. Directed by Artistic Director Julia Glander, this intimate two-person play delves into the complexities of modern relationships, the weight of environmental concerns, and the profound question of whether to bring a child into a world facing ecological uncertainty. Such heavy topics, but explored with both humor and humility, Lungs reminds audiences to breathe by absolutely taking their breath away.
[Warning: Spoilers from Tipping Point Theatre’s production of Lungs are below!]
Tipping Point’s Lungs is a breath of fresh air
Lungs unfolds as a continuous dialogue between a couple grappling with the decision to have a child amidst a climate crisis. The narrative is presented in real-time, creating an immersive experience that mirrors the couple’s escalating anxiety and emotional turbulence. Their conversation begins with a seemingly simple question: Should they have a child?—but quickly expands to encompass their fears, dreams, and the deeper issues that underpin their relationship.
As the conversation spans years and every stage of their relationship, the two have to grapple with their moral responsibility to the world as well as to their personal desires. Is there a way to balance the two, or is their relationship headed towards destruction, much like the world they are trying so desperately to save? Macmillan’s writing is sharp, often humorous, and brutally honest, capturing the neurotic energy of two people trying to make sense of their lives and the world around them.
The Weight of Environmental Anxiety lies within Lungs
At the heart of Lungs lies a profound exploration of environmental anxiety. The couple’s deliberation about parenthood is not merely personal but is deeply intertwined with global concerns about climate change, overpopulation, and the ethical implications of bringing a new life into a deteriorating world. This thematic focus resonates with audiences, particularly younger generations, who are increasingly confronting the realities of environmental degradation and its impact on future generations.
The play’s pacing and structure emphasize the emotional immediacy and universality of its themes. By presenting the narrative as a continuous dialogue, Lungs challenges audiences to confront the moral implications of personal decisions while portraying the tender and tumultuous journey of two individuals striving to connect in a complex world.
While Lungs is deeply rooted in contemporary environmental concerns, its exploration of love, responsibility, and the complexities of modern relationships transcends generational boundaries. The couple’s dynamic—marked by uncertainty, humor, and vulnerability—mirrors the experiences of many individuals navigating the challenges of commitment, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. Macmillan’s portrayal of their relationship is both raw and relatable, offering a mirror to the audience’s own experiences and reflections.
That exploration is only made more beautiful through the performances on stage. Connor Allston and Kristin Shields (along with the incredibly talented Cellist Laurie A. Jarski) elevate the already strong prose by providing such grounded and heartwrenching portrayals of a couple falling in and out of love. Lacking names, these characters represent each and every one of us. There are so many moments throughout Lungs that I held my breath, waiting on the edge of my seat to see what comes next. Allston and Shields are both extraordinary actors in their own right, but they are even more bombastic together and remind everyone there what theater can and should be.
The play’s structure, with its rapid transitions and overlapping dialogue, mirrors the chaotic and often overwhelming nature of modern life. This stylistic choice enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, drawing audiences into the couple’s internal and external conflicts. The absence of a traditional set design further underscores the universality of the themes, focusing the audience’s attention on the characters’ interactions and the weight of their decisions. And who would have thought that a pile of dirt could have impacted me so profoundly, but watching the wooden stage disappear beneath the brown, the messier the relationship became, felt life-changing in ways I cannot even begin to explain. Some may say it’s simplistic, but it doesn’t take much to convey such a powerful message, and this production of Lungs does just that.
The importance of the message from this Tipping Point Production
Lungs serves as a powerful meditation on the intersection of personal choices and global responsibility. In an era marked by environmental crises and social unrest, the play prompts audiences to reflect on their roles in shaping the future. It underscores the significance of individual actions and decisions, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal lives and the broader world.
Moreover, Lungs challenges the notion of apathy in the face of overwhelming global issues. The couple’s deliberations, filled with doubt and fear, mirror the paralysis many individuals feel when confronted with complex problems. However, the play also suggests that acknowledging these fears and engaging in dialogue are crucial steps toward meaningful action. It advocates for responsibility, not just as a moral imperative but as a pathway to hope and change.
Lungs takes your breath away with its beauty
Tipping Point Theatre’s production of Lungs is a compelling and timely exploration of love, responsibility, and environmental anxiety. Through its intimate portrayal of a couple’s dialogue, the play offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern relationships and the weight of global concerns. Directed with sensitivity and insight, this production resonates deeply with audiences, prompting introspection and dialogue about the choices that shape our world.
As the play continues its run, it stands as a testament to the power of theatre to illuminate pressing issues and foster meaningful conversations. Lungs is not just a play about a couple’s decision; it is a mirror reflecting the collective anxieties and hopes of a generation striving to find its place in an uncertain world.
Lungs is running at Tipping Point Theatre through June 1, so get your tickets now! Have you seen this show before? Plan on checking Lungs out at Tipping Point Theatre? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
Exclusive Interview: Julia Glander, Connor Allston, and Kristin Shields of Tipping Point’s Lungs
