The Fever Syndrome

The Fever Syndrome is a play about a fractious family gathered at Richard Myers' home to see him receive a lifetime achievement award, but they fall into dispute over conflicting Thanksgiving memories, polarised opinions on investment banking, and how best to care for their ailing father.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

We are all slaves to our genes, and even worse, we are slaves to our parents' genes. Dr. Richard Myers, the renowned IVF innovator, is a secular saint due to the countless babies he has helped bring into the world throughout his career. Now, his family has gathered at his home on Manhattan's Upper West Side to celebrate his lifetime achievement award. However, this fractious group, more accustomed to debate than empathy, is bound to fall into dispute once again. They will argue over conflicting Thanksgiving memories, have polarized opinions on investment banking, and debate the best way to care for their ailing father. And most importantly, they will fight over who will inherit Richard's wealth and his prestigious science institution.

"The Fever Syndrome" is a vivid and thrilling portrait of a brilliantly dysfunctional family, written by Alexis Zegerman. The play was first produced at Hampstead Theatre, London, in March 2022, and was directed by Roxana Silbert.

The play follows the story of the Myers family, who are gathered at Richard's home to celebrate his award. However, their gathering quickly turns into a heated argument as they debate over their conflicting memories of Thanksgiving, their polarized opinions on investment banking, and how to care for their father. The play explores the complex dynamics of the family, as they struggle to come to terms with their father's illness and the legacy he has left behind.

One of the key themes of the play is the idea of genetic determinism. Dr. Myers is a pioneer in the field of IVF, and he has helped countless couples conceive children. However, he also believes that genes are the primary determinant of a person's success and happiness. This belief has led him to make some controversial decisions, such as selecting embryos for IVF based on their genetic makeup rather than their personal characteristics.

The play also explores the relationship between Richard and his children. Richard is a brilliant scientist, but he is also a demanding and controlling father. He has high expectations for his children, and he can be harsh and unforgiving when they fail to meet them. This has led to a strained relationship between Richard and his children, particularly his eldest son, Alex.

Alex is a successful businessman, but he has always felt that he has never lived up to his father's expectations. He has a strained relationship with his father, and he is constantly trying to prove himself to him. However, Alex's relationship with his father is further complicated by his own personal struggles. He has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and he is facing a difficult battle.

The play also explores the relationship between Richard and his wife, Sarah. Sarah is a loving and supportive wife, but she has also been affected by Richard's demanding and controlling behavior. She has tried to support Richard, but she has also felt that she has been pushed aside.

The play is written in a very realistic and authentic way. The characters are well-developed, and their emotions are palpable. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the play moves at a fast pace. The play also includes some very powerful scenes, such as when Richard confronts his children about their behavior, and when Alex confronts his father about his illness.

Despite the play's dark themes, it is also a very funny and entertaining play. The characters are very likable, and their interactions are often hilarious. The play also includes some very touching moments, such as when Richard and Sarah reconcile after a long period of tension.

The play has received critical acclaim, and it has been praised for its realistic and authentic portrayal of a dysfunctional family. The play has also been praised for its powerful message about the importance of genetic determinism and the impact it can have on a person's life.

In conclusion, "The Fever Syndrome" is a vivid and thrilling portrait of a brilliantly dysfunctional family. The play explores the complex dynamics of the family, as they struggle to come to terms with their father's illness and the legacy he has left behind. The play also explores the idea of genetic determinism, and the impact it can have on a person's life. The play is written in a very realistic and authentic way, and it is a very funny and entertaining play. The play has received critical acclaim, and it is a must-see for anyone who is interested in family dynamics and the impact of genetics on a person's life.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839040696