An Expert's Opinion

Clinical psychologist Dr. Christoper Bayer joined us at Shadow of Himself on January 18, 2009, to hold a talkback on the themes of fear in the piece. He was kind enough to offer up his thoughts on the play:

Shadow of Himself/Revitalizing the Epic of Gilgamesh

Christopher Bayer, Ph.D.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing and critiquing a new play by Neal Bell, Obie Award winning playwright, which revitalizes and recrafts the Epic of Gilgamesh, among the oldest works (nearly 5,000 years) of Western literature. Scholars believe the Epic was written in ancient Mesopotamia by a fellow human named Shin-eqi-unninni, the oldest author we can actually name. This was a rarity in the ancient world.

The play was produced by the Rabbit Hole Ensemble (RHE). The Ensemble is a strong, creative group of hard working and highly skilled young actors based in Brooklyn. It is brilliantly directed by Edward Elefterion and stars Mark Cajigao, Matt Cody, Emily Hartford, Daniel Kitrosser, and Adam Swiderski. The intensity, and commitment from the cast is apparent immediately, and deepens throughout the performance. It is a powerful piece of work.

What is unique about the Epic and the play, in my mind, is that a template of human experience, and in essence, psychological theory was ‘laid out’ thousands of years before psychology and psychoanalysis were actually formally ‘invented.’ People were struggling with self concept and identity issues, their own vulnerability and narcissism, fear, love, anxiety, depression, emotional intimacy and tenderness problems, power and control, loneliness, attachment and bonding issues, trust and betrayal dilemmas , mortality/immortality, grandiosity, passion, communication gaps and so forth and so on WAY BEFORE cell phones, air conditioning, the oil crisis, and the economic insanity of 21st century America clouded and befuddled our lives!

All human beings have defensive psychological and emotional structures operating to insure some kind of survival and joy. The pair bonding aspects of the neuropeptide Oxytocin are apparent in the interplay between Gil and NK. Similarly, the emotional center of the brain, the amygdala (deep within the limbic system) is ‘featured’ in all of the players. We are now beginning to investigate the neuroscience ‘components’ of human beings, whereas Shin-eqi-unninni had penetrating insight and wisdom into how people thought and felt nearly 5,000 years ago. Wow.

The Play and the Ensemble have endeavored to bring this extremely interesting work to us………a startling story thoroughly relevant right now though first introduced in the ancient world. What a pleasure and treat, an invaluable contribution to our culture which seems timeless.

Christopher Bayer, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in independent practice. He also has a certificate of specialization in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis from the NYU Postdoctoral Psychology Program (1982). He has worked in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities. Other areas of interest include forensics, research and consultation, and psychological testing and assessment. He has published in a variety of areas including perception and psychophysics, prison programing, behavior therapy, and business management. Recent articles have focused on a witness preparation model (the Nassau Lawyer), and the development of a business construct (Toxic Product Syndrome) posted on the Social Science Research Network. He is completing a book entitled "Beyond Survival: the Stockbroker's Journey."