Maddie Behrens stars as Emma Tate in Curse of the Starving Class at Theatre Raleigh (photo by Jennifer Robertson Photography)
Reflecting on my chance to review Theatre Raleigh’s presentation of Curse of the Starving Class, directed by Charlie Brady, led me to think about the many ways we experience hunger—not just for food but for meaning and fulfillment. Sam Shepard’s play touches on the unspoken questions and quiet struggles we all face as we navigate the gap between survival and satisfaction. Watching the Tate family confront cycles of emptiness and illusion made me consider the spaces in our own lives where we search for something we feel is missing.
Throughout the play, characters repeatedly open the refrigerator, finding it empty but illuminated by a faint glow. They aren’t simply looking for food; they’re reaching for something that satisfies a far deeper need. I reflected on times in my own life when I’ve searched for direction, only to return to familiar, empty spaces. The refrigerator becomes a symbol of that repetitive search, where we keep coming back, hoping each time for something new.
One memorable moment occurs when the artichokes, the only food in the fridge, are tossed aside for their strong smell. Artichokes, with their layers and hidden nourishment, suggest what we often overlook in life—things we discard without recognizing their potential to sustain us. It made me wonder if there are parts of ourselves or our lives that we ignore or discard while searching for something else. What might we be overlooking that could genuinely nourish us?
The family’s dining table, meant as a place for gathering and connection, instead becomes a space of conflict and disillusionment. This made me think about what each of us brings to our own tables. Do we bring presence, understanding, and connection, or are we just going through the motions? Often, we come to the table hoping for something meaningful, only to encounter distraction or tension, as the Tate family does.
Weston, the alcoholic father, clings to the idea of starting over, though he’s caught in cycles that feel impossible to break. His journey highlights a familiar tension. At what point does hope become a tool for real change, and when does it serve as a way to avoid facing reality? How often do we convince ourselves that a fresh start will solve our problems, without addressing the patterns we carry with us?
Reviewing Curse of the Starving Class left me with more questions than answers. What are we truly hungry for? When does our search lead us to something real, and when does it leave us in cycles of emptiness? Are we, like the artichokes tossed aside, ignoring parts of ourselves or our lives that could offer real sustenance?
Shepard’s work invites us to explore these questions by showing pieces of our own journeys in each character. This play encourages us to closely examine our hungers, to rethink what we discard, and to challenge the ways we seek fulfillment.
For a more detailed review of the show, you can find my full thoughts on the production here with The Triangle Review