Nina Metz

A buzz of malice and dread permeates the plays of Bruce Norris, from "The Infidel" to "Purple Heart" to his newest work, "We All Went Down to Amsterdam," now at the Steppenwolf Studio. It is an intoxicating thing, that gradual revelation of insidious intent and behavior, and Norris expertly doles it out in subtle little portions. In the hands of director Amy Morton, it all adds up to an overwhelming smack in the face. And I mean that in a good way. Set in the activities room of a bland nursing home, the story centers on the escalating sexual and racial tension between a white nurse's aid (a nicely petulant Stephanie Childers, all that blonde hair swooped up in a hot pink scrunchie) and a black janitor (K. Todd Freeman, laconic one moment, biting the next). Into this mess walks a stranger in a suit and trench coat (the deceptively vanilla Tom Irwin) who everyone supposes is there to check up on an ailing patient (Jim Mohr) experiencing profound bouts of dementia. This stranger's true intent is far more disturbing than he lets on. But the more savage aspect of this story is its examination of regrets and guilt, and how these tormenting emotions can become all-consuming in the final years of life.

"We All Went Down to Amsterdam" plays at the Steppenwolf Theater, 1650 North Halsted (312)335-1650, through July 13.

(2003-06-25)

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