Jude Treder-Wolff's solo show Faster, part of the New York City Fringe 2024, delivers a witty and introspective take on the world's hypersonic pace of change and its impact on mental health and relationships. A psychotherapist, improviser, and storyteller, Treder-Wolff weaves personal anecdotes with universal themes, crafting a narrative that resonates with audiences.
The premise of Faster is intriguing. Treder-Wolff explores change and how people react to such fast-paced action. The show's focus is her marriage to a partner whose approach to change starkly contrasts her own. This fundamental difference becomes the centerpiece of her exploration into the psychological challenges of rapid shifts. She tells the audience that she usually jumps into decisions without thinking twice, whereas her husband analyzes the details, calculates the risk, and then makes an informed decision. Their relationship has the makings for potentially stressful and heightened arguments but the magic of the show is how they make it work. If lessons are to be learned, it is definitely in these moments. However, as much as the storyline is interesting, there are moments where the script needs to be tightened to prevent it from going off course and maintain an organized structure.
Treder-Wolff uses humor not only to soften difficult concepts but also to make them more accessible and entertaining. By leveraging her background as a psychotherapist and improviser, she navigates the complexities of modern life with wit and sensitivity. Her comedic twists on everyday struggles work well with the audience. Her multifaceted skills as an improviser, storyteller, and singer/songwriter enrich the performance, creating an engaging experience.
Faster urges us to embrace change with empathy and resilience. Treder-Wolff's blend of therapeutic insight and comedic storytelling makes this show truly unique. This combination will intrigue audiences seeking laughter and maybe some coping tools in an ever-accelerating world.
"Faster"
Written and Performed by Jude Treder-Wolff
Directed by Suzanne Bachner
April 3 to 13, 2024
14Y Theater (14th Street Y, 344 East 14th St., NYC)
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.