By Mary Mallory
A modern day take on Greek tragedies by Neil LaBute, “bash” is a series of three one-acts that show how good people can make spur of the moment, cold blooded decisions that cause suffering and death. 3KO Broadway presents a powerful production that focuses on the tragedies caused by ill conceived decisions.
First time director Steve Ferguson creates a powerful evening that features both strong acting and fine backstage work. His vision emphasizes the ambiguities of human nature, veering from the warm and personal to the venal and vengeful.
All the actors do outstanding work with their monologues, in which they confess their sins to an unseen companion. David Jay Barry brings a winning warmth to the glib, fast talking salesman trying to escape guilt. He talks with his hands as rueful emotions pass over his face.
Dan Westerman’s John is a confident, loving young man with simmering intolerance and anger. His body gradually stiffens and clenches as he arrogantly justifies his loathful actions. Christiana makes Sue come vibrantly alive in her sparking eyes and playful, flirtatious manner.
Clare Meehan’s and Ferguson’s excellent scenic lighting and sound design emphasize the spare, cold aspects of the characters and their values by focusing on four main colors: black, white, gray, and red. Each set is a little more than a table and a chair, keeping primary focus on the actors.
Lighting emphasizes the darkening mood each piece by starting warmly and slowly dissolving to chiaroscuro.
The production also possesses good rhythm, with each act containing its own ebb and flow as well.
3KO Theatre Company’s outstanding production of “bash” emphasizes the contradictions and impulses of human nature, and how easy it sometimes is to cross the moral line.
3KO Broadway Theatre Company’s production of “bash” continues Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm at the Sidewalk Studio 4150 Riverside Dr. in Burbank, through June 26. The production is dark Memorial Day weekend. Tickets cost $15. For reservations, call 818/629-2342. |