Sat 22 May, 2010
People We Know – REVIEW
Comments (0) Filed under: REVIEWSTags: 3 STARS, People We Know, Robert Tenges, the side project theatre, World Premiere
By Venus Zarris
It is a sad truth that relationships often devolve into something that bares little resemblance to the initial passion and warmth from whence they sprang. Playwright Robert Tenges takes this truth past the “I don’t feel the same way anymore.” and delves into the jarring paradigm shift of “How the hell did we get here?” More so than a portrait of waking up not knowing the person that you share your life with, Tenges shows the crippling reality of knowing that person all too well and not liking them.
In The Side Project Theatre Company’s powerful world premiere of People We Know, three couples face the realities of detachment and isolation within their committed relationships. The emotional cold fronts start sweeping in from the very opening dinner party as we witness a group of friends who seem as though they would rather be anywhere but together.
Tenges writes evocative dialogue, leaving you with a sense of incompletion that mimics the imperfect lives portrayed. His rhythms are difficult but the strong ensemble find their way through under the intuitive direction of Adam Webster. Webster understands his intimate venue and brings the intensity into our laps with impact and nuance.
Andy Hager delivers a sweetly heart wrenching Jashua, easygoing partner to an overachieving wife. He is as compelling reacting silently as he is in conversation. Kirsten D’Aurellio digs deep to uncover honest warmth that is refreshing in the midst of her forlorn relationship. Together, Hager and D’Aurellio extract subtly endearing and honestly painful moments that are truly remarkable.
Set designer Michelle Lilly O’Brien constructs the physical reality of the play with amazing effect and Aaron Weissman’s lighting design is exceptional.
Tenges creates conflict that leans towards academic melodrama and some of the emotional transitions seem to be more plotted than organic but in the hands of such a gifted director, with such a talented ensemble, the end result is a compelling view of the moments in relationships that are often overlooked. People We Know is a fascinating slideshow of relationships that are trying to hold out past the expiration date and a wonderful example of theater’s ability to shed light on our darker internal struggles.
3 STARS
(“People We Know” runs through June 6 at The Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis. 773-973-2150)
