Emmy Rossum and Zoë Winters Photo by Joan Marcus

Drawing its title from Henry David Thoreau's contemplative 1854 book, Walden explores humans' relationship to nature, the universe, and each other. While articulating the ways in which we are cosmically entwined, for instance, Berryman references one of the most famous passages from the book: "Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way?"

The play revolves around twin sisters Stella (Emmy Rossum) and Cassie (Zoë Winters). Stella previously worked for NASA, where she worked on a mission that would allow people to live on Mars in giant terrarium-like enclosures. Although not fully explained, there was ill will when she left her job, and she is now living with Bryan (Motell Foster), whom she met in therapy and intends to marry.

Bryan, who is dealing with the recent death of his brother, identifies as an Earth Advocate. EAs, as they are called, are part of a movement that opposes NASA's intention to colonize the Moon and Mars. As Stella informs her sister, "He thinks the government should be spending all that money on saving this planet, instead of looking for somewhere else to go." Besides, humans have already made a mess of Earth, why should they have license to destroy other celestial bodies?

There are, however, glimmers of hope resulting from the efforts of the EAs. A less extreme adherent to the activist principles, Bryan shows that by reducing the use of electricity, harnessing solar energy, and pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, individuals can make Earth habitable once again. (Matt Saunders' sets and Adam Honoré's lighting perfectly capture the sense of isolation while showing the ways in which homes might have to be built to bear nature's wrath. Qween Jean's costumes and Lee Kinney's sound provide additional atmospheric reminders of the characters' living conditions.)

Cassie, a botanist working for NASA, has just returned from a Moon mission in which she was celebrated for cultivating plants in the harsh and unforgiving terrain. For her next mission, she has been assigned to go to Mars to prepare the planet for human occupancy. It is a lifetime commitment, and she wants to bring her sister along.

The play's premise is intriguing, and there is plenty to ponder as the characters discuss the plausible results of continued environmental recklessness. The domestic drama, though, which consumes much of the play, is far less interesting. The sisters rehash old slights, squabble over personal and professional choices, and recall lessons of their father, who was also an astronaut. Regrettably, the characters are not fully developed, hindering our ability to connect with their challenges. Additionally, there is an unbelievable attempt to complicate the manufactured lovers' triangle, and it isn't clear why the mission to Mars must be a one-way trip. As a result, the plot points seem manufactured rather than organic to the world of the play.

Under the resourceful direction of Whitney White, the trio of performers redeem the script's shortcomings. As Stella, Rossum effectively conveys the complex emotions of regret, resentment, and longing that stem from unfulfilled dreams. Winters's Cassie provides a compelling counterpoint, revealing the conundrum of whether to seek meaningful, intimate relationships or rewarding professional successes. As Bryan, Foster subtly and capably displays both emotional vulnerability and philosophical grounding.

In the end, Berryman forces the audience to confront a critical decision: either fix Earth's problems or abandon it for space-based solutions. According to Thoreau, there is only one option: "Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this."