4000 Miles #5

4000 Miles

I think the ultimate motif behind this play focuses on the personal stories and lives of the characters. When I read 4000 Miles it was almost like watching real life rather than a play. It doesn't have any fancy costumes or elaborate/ eccentric characters. It just takes a strong approach on the dialogue and the different lives of the characters. It is almost like we are strictly there to observe what is going on and for us to interpret why things are the way they are based off of the character’s actions and decisions. When looking at the lives of these characters we direct our intention on to how the three are individually dealing with their own change. Each character has their own story and as the play progresses you begin to discover more about them. That is what I believe that was Amy Herzog’s main motif when writing this play. To portray how different people can have a different outcome or interpretations in life. More importantly how a common event that is shared by Leo, Vera, and Bec can affect them differently. The play is set right at the time Leo arrives in New York to visit his grandmother, Vera.  Prior to this arrival Leo had a traumatic experience in which his best friend has lost his life. This seemingly has left Leo to feel lost without any sense of direction. What drove him to seek comfort with his Vera is uncertain, but regardless of what has happened she notices something is wrong and humbly takes him in. Though his friend’s death is a very sensitive topic I began to notice a reoccurring pattern with Leo. Whenever his family or more specifically his mother is brought up Leo tends to lose his cool. For a majority of the play it’s never really mentioned why he is so angry until he finally unfolds and reveals what has happened. Because of this I feel Vera is able to sense he is troubled which is why she feels the need to take him in. If we were to look at the big picture of this and decipher what is the main question of the show it would be, “Who needs who?” Does Leo need Vera to help him get through this or does Vera need Leo so she can have a sense of want. Ultimately I believe it was Herzog’s main intention to show that the changes of one person can affect the lives of others.