Review: ‘Red Folder’ latest show in Steppenwolf NOW series

Apparently the effect of school folder work on a child can be massively misunderstood. Steppenwolf NOW’s third of six productions addresses this little considered educational impact.

Commissioned specifically for the virtual stage, “Red Folder” is Steppenwolf’s first-ever illustrated work – a 10-minute, four-part short film written, directed and illustrated by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph. He’s a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a two-time Obie Award winner, and last was seen in “Guards at the Taj”at Steppenwolf. Joseph also happens to be a prolific playwright. (And I might also add I admire his Peace Corps service.)

“Red Folder” is an outcome of his being quarantined in Cleveland. The narration is by ensemble member Carrie Coon, also a recipient of Jeff and Obie awards, as well as being known for HBO’s “Leftovers” and FX’s “Fargo.” She was last seen in Steppenwolf’s “Bug.” Coon’s voice may be mature, but she captures all the necessity of the production’s only character.

This red folder belongs to a first-grader. Everyday work for that day is put on the left side; when it’s finished, it goes on the right side. Naturally, any work with errors goes back on the left side with any new work. And this first-grader can’t spell the word six, which is the source of all his woes.

But then something strange happens that doesn’t make things better. The bigger the red folder gets, the more its power grows to talk to him, degrade him, causing him a horrid situation with some Tupperware containing his beloved chocolate pudding. The folder has become a monster with jagged teeth. And sadly, the student also has a horrible, tormenting teacher. (Bring back memories, anyone?)

There’s some wondrous original background piano music behind all these musings – a technique called microtonality, “an approach to tuning that gives access to the notes between the notes.” It invokes harmonies, clarity, and enjoyable non-distracting musical flavor. The composer is Chris P. Thompson, who felt “Red Folder” resonated for him “as a picture of how adults impose the anxieties and complexity of their world onto children.”

“Red Folder” is filmed and edited by Joel Moorman, and is streaming worldwide, extending Steppenwolf’s innovative reputation.

But two things bother me. There is another short film titled “Red Folder” by Ben Kallam, produced around 2015 by New York University Tisch School of the Arts. It draws on Kallam’s experience of teaching at a public high school, and involved a troubled student seeking a misplaced red folder.

I also don’t know if Joseph was aware of the significance of a red folder in the education system, which provides indicators of student distress in academics or related to physical or psychological factors or safety.

Steppenwolf’s “Red Folder” is different, quirky, and there are potentially many ways the ending could have gone. It’s abrupt and engrossing, but I’m going to let you draw your own conclusions.

• Regina Belt-Daniels has been involved in the theater since the first grade, and awaits the return of live theater with live audiences.

IF YOU VIEW

WHAT: “Red Folder” by Steppenwolf NOW

WHEN: Series available through Aug. 31

COST: $75 membership for six virtual plays; discounted for essential workers, students, teachers

INFORMATION: Steppenwolf.org/now, 312-335-1650