My overall impression
As far as I’m concerned, this is a subject that cannot get enough attention in our culture. I didn’t know the play, so was very glad to see the material produced at Fringe.
The direction was excellent (so much of Fringe is not- or under-directed…actors sort of wondering around or giving us ‘actor naturalism’ that actually feels pretty darn artificial.) The director used very smart stage business to literally punctuate the script. Very effective. And the cast really committed to the direction they were given, so the total production had a vitality and force that really worked for me.
The first half was interesting. But I felt the script and the acting both really kicked into gear with the major monologues of the second half. As I watched the stories unfold I felt like “ok, now we’re getting somewhere…now you’ve pulled me in.” Less business and more straight up storytelling and it was Good. The whole production rev’d up a notch or two at that point, and it held at that intensity level right across the finish line.
The closing is brave and awesome. Well done, women. You Win.
