OCTOPUS
OCTOPUS by Steve Yockey; directed by Kate Warner, presented by Magic Theatre and
Encore Theatre Company at Magic Theatre, Bldg D,
May 10 –
DRAMATIC PRODUCTION WITH A STELLAR CAST
Magic Theatre is giving Steve Yockey’s new play “Octopus” a powerful production. Every budding playwright should be as fortunate. This is a production co-sponsored by the Magic and Encore Theatre Companies, both dedicated to the development of new plays. Octopus received its world premiere at Actor's Express in
There is a monster at the bottom of the ocean and that monster is the specter of the AIDS virus that is apparently being ignored by young gay men. Yockey adroitly and humorously explores the ramifications when a newly formed gay couple indulges in a night of sexual passion with an older dedicated gay couple. What begins as a conventional play with young Blake (Patrick Alparone) and his lover Kevin (Eric Kerr) debating whether to go ahead with a planned foursome with Max (Liam Vincent) and his lover Andy(Brad Erickson) whom they have casually met at a bar. Doubts arise about commitment, the true meaning of love and the desire to be hedonistic, at least for one night. Though Blake remains reluctant, the party occurs and scene one ends.
Yockey gradually and insidiously transforms the structure of the play from realism to allegorical mysticism when Max arrives unannounced to tell Blake and Kevin that he threw Andy out because he tested positive. There is no need to tell Kevin the implications of “testing positive.” Blake, in his naivety says, “It’s not even something that people get anymore,” and refuses to be tested. Lack of commitment, as exemplified by the breakup of Andy and Max, seeps into Kevin and Blake’s relationship when Kevin states, “I don’t know if I could stay with you if you test positive?”
Warner's staging is a gem of inventiveness as she actually floods the stage with water while the sound effects and lighting (Jarrod Fischer) evokes the unseen monster. There is no protagonist and Yockey shares incisive dialog almost equally between his characters. Patrick Alparone’s projection of Blake’s attractive and loveable demeanor draws the audience’s empathy. Eric Kerr as Kevin expertly radiates confusion generated by the telegrams as well as his inner torment. Liam Vincent progression from self assured dominant male to cringing, pathetic wallowing in self-pity (and water) is eye opening. Rowan Brooks’ adroit switch from a dripping wet to dominant delivery of evil news (“You must take notice!”) feels as real as it is startling. Brad Erickson as the effete Andy strikes a note of recognition.
The 70 minute running time without intermission is sufficient to express the authors mission that , the ”monster” is still with us and commitment is needed to survive.
Courtesy of TheatreWorld Internet Magazine