Bash: Review by Stage and Screen

A bash is being thrown by the 3KO Broadway Theatre where Neil Labute’s play of the same name is sure to knock you out. Set in a simple setting that still captures the tragic sophoclean elements of tragedy, BASH is a dark drama that recounts the misdeeds of essentially good people for an ending effect that is electrifying.

The play is divided into three monologues. The first sets up a sympathetic scene in a bar where a young man describes the seemingly tragic and accidental death of his five month old daughter. The next occurs against a red backdrop, where two young lovers, John and Sue, remember the day of their engagement and also a chance meeting in a park with a homosexual couple. And the final, and most poignant, is the confession of a young woman who relates the events that lead up to her Medea-like ending.

Due to the delicate and disturbing context of these monologues, the cast of BASH does an excellent job sliding the audience into their stories. David Jay Berry opens the first monologue apologetically but also with a sincerity that makes us want to listen. Dan Westerman and Christina Diaz as John and Sue are also easily lovable; they endear their characters with an openness, honesty and humor that makes their blindness and prejudice all the more heartbreaking. And Clare Meehan, in the final monologue, brings out a passion and innocence that almost – almost, forgives the murder of her son.

The production is also effective. Director Steven Ferguson commands his simple setting and lighting with skill. Each monologue has one backdrop, a minimal amount of props and one spotlight to capture the focus upon the meaning behind the words and emotions of the actors.
But what is important is that the production gains our trust and empathy for these fundamentally, moral human beings. Even more so in that they gain our understanding as to the intangible why behind these horrible acts of murder.

Of course, there is the fact BASH is unsettling. But it is never a punch to the face. Instead, it is a simple, honest confession that unfolds itself of its dark secrets. It has no expectations or ambitions to sway us. Instead, it is like a classical tragedy that hopes and succeeds in causing the listener, despite content and horror, to sit and watch.
BASH is playing through June 26th at the The Sidewalk Studio in Burbank on Riverside Dr.