Man to Man

Man to Man

Brooklyn Academy of Music

2017 Next Wave Festival

BAM Fisher (Fishman Space)

November 11, 2017

Photo courtesy of BAM 2017 Next Wave Festival

Man to Man is a one character play presented by Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of the 2017 Next Wave Festival.  This German work, written by Manfred Karge, has been translated into English by Alexandra Wood.  Based on a true story, the play begins before the rise of the Nazi Party and ends after the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Directed by Bruce Guthrie and Scott Graham, the production originated at the Wales Millennium Centre in 2015, transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and now can boast a sold out run at Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Photo courtesy of BAM 2017 Next Wave Festival

Following the death of her husband, Ella (played by Maggie Bain) takes on his identity in order to earn a living as a crane operator.  She buries him with her own name on his headstone, and takes his job as a crane operator.  She is torn between her desire to become a mother and her need to survive independently.  With the outbreak of the war it becomes difficult to go undiscovered, so she joins the Nazi army.  After the war, she continues to live secretly as a man, yearning to connect to her true self.

Maggie Bain is remarkable in this powerful piece of theatre.  Her physical strength, dexterity, and intensity are captivating.  She climbs the walls of the set, suspends herself from the ceiling, and creates tender moments of deep, personal longing.  Her vocal skill shows great range as she portrays numerous characters who come in contact with Ella on her journey. 

Photo courtesy of MAN 2017 Next Wave Festival

The video design (by Andrzej Goulding) and lighting (by Rick Fisher) are  mesmerizing.  The shadows cast on the walls by the actor transform into images of people in Ella’s story as well as her private desires.  They blend synchronistical and give a clear understanding of the main character’s loneliness and isolation.  

Man to Man is a unique and moving experience.  Unfortunately, this production ran at BAM’s Next Wave Festival for a very limited (November 7 – 11).  Keep your eyes peeled for video showings or additional bookings.  

Domenick Danza

The Judas Kiss

The Judas Kiss

BAM Harvey Theater

May 28, 2016

Photo courtesy of BAM Harvey Theatre

The Judas Kiss, starring Rupert Everett as Oscar Wilde, is presently playing at BAM Harvey Theater.  The play is written by David Hare and directed by Neil Armfield.  The first act takes place the afternoon before Oscar Wilde is arrested and tried for gross indecencies, and the second act takes place a few months after his release from serving his prison sentence.  The production is stunning.  The writing is prolific.  Rupert Everett and the cast are inspiring. 

The show is produced by Chichester Festival Theatre in association with Robert Fox, Theatre Royal Bath Productions, and Hampstead Theatre.  The set design, by Dale Ferguson, is lavish and simple, grand and stark.  Yes, these adjectives contradict one another, yet succinctly describe the skillfully crafted impact.  The lighting design, by Rick Fisher, is romantic and poignant.  The second act is dominated by an impactful shadow effect that brings clarity to the power struggle between Oscar Wilde and his two closer companions.  These bold and detailed designs play very well in the expansive stage of the Harvey Theater.

Rupert Everett as Oscar Wilde
Photo courtesy of BAM Harvey Tehatre

Rupert Everett skillfully portrays the complexity of Oscar Wilde with confidence and ease.  He creates a gentleman with great dignity, resolve, and deep belief in his talents and value as a poet.  As the second act progresses, his inner conflict is revealed and we understand why his demise is inescapable.

Cal MacAninch plays Robert Ross, one of Oscar Wilde’s closest friends.  The scenes between these two actors are riveting as both men cling to their principals in the face of turmoil.  In the first act Robert Ross implores Oscar to flee the country and escape into exile before his arrest, but Oscar Wilde holds firm.  In Act II he pleads with Oscar to stay true to the promise he made to his wife, but Oscar refuses.  Through these conflicts we gain a clear understanding of the social limitations, taboos, and expectations of the time period.  These two actors are brilliant together. 

Rupert Everett & Charlie Rowe
Photo courtesy of BAM Harvey Theatre

Charlie Rowe plays Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie), with whom Oscar Wilde has an affair that brings about his arrest and trial.  The fire between these two men burns bright in Act I with passion and charm.  It burns even hotter in Act II with divergence and resentment.

The Judas Kiss is about love and betrayal.  It is a powerful and multilayered play that will keep you thinking long after it is over.  Just when you understand Oscar Wilde’s motives, playwright David Hare takes you deeper into the fears and loss of this great artist.  Neil Armfield’s masterful direction makes the profound themes easily accessible.  The play is in a limited run at BAM Harvey Theater.  It closes on June 12.  Don’t miss it!

   

Domenick Danza