Seen and Heard: REP's 8

Readers know that I am a bit of a booster for Raleigh Ensemble Players (REP) and their "provocative, powerful, and penetrating" theatrical productions. Perhaps my love of their work (fan-boy) is due to my penchant for Modernist (difficult) literature, my brief history on the stage (high school), or my firm belief that every life is a musical (I hear your music). No matter, last night's dramatic reading of Dustin Lance Black's 8 moved me to tears, spontaneous applause, and a new insight into a difficult and often divisive subject. The script was tight, the characters human, the direction spot on, and the talent - simply unbelievable. The cream of our rich, diverse theater community was on display delivering a one-night-only performance that was close to perfection. 

On its most basic level, the play was taken from the transcripts of the federal court challenge to the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8, which revoked the rights of same-sex couples from marrying. Think Law and Order, without the murder, but with all the human drama, the courtroom arguments, the complainants' back stories, and the media - all honestly and artfully portrayed as recorded in the official record.

This work should be required viewing for all North Carolinians before entering the ballot box to vote on this very same issue - ironically on May 8th. I can only hope that the first amendment to our constitution will not be one intended to single out a group of people in order to deny them civil rights and basic dignities surrounding the most personal, private, and joyous aspect of their lives. Most people are unaware that one of the rights slaves gained upon emancipation was the right to marry. Several freedmen wrote that this right was among the most cherished, proving that they were indeed free.

And, as hard as it is to believe today, it was only 40 years ago that it was illegal in some states for inter-racial couples to marry. It is obvious that the institution of marriage continues to evolve from arranged marriages to business relationships to romantic love matches benefiting those who choose to participate. As stated in last night's closing argument: "We will all be more American the day after same-sex marriage is recognized as a legal and basic right than we were the day before."

The polls are now open for early voting.
Vote early - vote often.

Seen and Heard: REP's Circle Mirror Transformation

Friday was a bit of a whirlwind day. I had meetings all morning, accepted a new job offer at lunch, spent the afternoon bowling with my work mates, and then met Cathy and Arjay for dinner and a night at the theater. We met at Beasley's Chicken and Honey and got caught up over chicken biscuits, pork shoulder meatloaf, and fried flounder. Few people make me laugh as much as the Hineks - so dinner was a blast.

On another note, Arjay and I will be reunited at Lulu (along with Lucas, Kevin, Jennifer, and Patrick). Cathy graciously gave her permission for Arjay and I to resume our "work husband" relationship, although Arjay admitted that he has been cheating on me with someone else. I told him that I could be up for a "work threesome...just saying." I am sure that if Arjay likes him that we will all soon be sharing laughs together around the lunch table.

After dinner, we had a quick drink at Foundation where we ran into Seth (an ex-Peoplefluent employee) and his wife. Then it was upstairs to Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre to see Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker.

This award-winning play is part of a trilogy of plays that take place in a small New England town. The action in this piece occurs in a dance studio where a teacher, her husband, and three students participate in a six week amateur actor's workshop.The play is presented in six sections - each representing a portion of a workshop experience. Over time as the characters relax and embrace the workshop exercises, the audience begins to learn little snippets about each character. Since there is so little direct information shared, the audience is forced to piece together each character's personality in order to discover their flaws.

This work, while appearing to move along briskly from scene to scene, actually lulls the viewer into a false sense of security. The characters at the beginning of the play fit the expected stereotypes, but they do not evolve in expected directions. As such, when the dirty laundry is finally aired, there remains some small doubt as to whose laundry is on display. It is not until the surprisingly forthright final scene do you realize that the characters who appeared to be the most damaged at the beginning, actually come out of the experience with the most hopeful futures.

As usual, for REP, the casting was perfect, the acting was spot-on, and the direction was outstanding. The most striking aspect of this production was the simple, bare, elegant staging. I particularly liked the way that the wall of mirrors reflected the actor's reactions as well as those of the audience. While you were watching the actors, subconsciously you are were also watching/seeing yourself.


Last season, REP spent their entire season making me cry - sometimes with joy and sometimes with shared sorrow. So far this season, they have made me examine my prejudices and expectations. I am eager to see what they have in store for the remainder of the 2012 season.

There are three more performances scheduled for this production (March 2-4). I highly recommend it for an evening of enjoyable, entertaining, and touching theater. Click here for more information and reservations.