THE PLAY: The title is a reference to Dante’s “Inferno,” but the traveler is a young American Soldier on trial for crimes he may have committed in Iraq. This theatrical discourse about war and ethics is presented thru encounters with various authority figures.

 

THE PRODUCTION: In the pivotal role, Tyler Stevens gives an impressively assured performance, although there’s more bravura than vulnerability (and where’s that Texas accent?). Chris Dunn adds some maturity (literally and in his acting) to this otherwise young cast. Director Joe Toscano has staged the show statically in the round without taking the audience into account. From my seat I didn’t see Stevens’ face for most of Act 2. The intimacy of the space provides some compensation. The pacing stays at the same medium pitch throughout until one unaffecting screaming match. The action takes place in limbo encircled by an OCD collection of Dante’s work. Weston Corey’s lighting is efficient, until the glaring nuisance of the trial scene.

 

THE POINT: Tyler Stevens makes an assured local debut, but the show itself goes from being uneven to a labored discourse that crushes the drama.

 

(2.5 / 5)

 

At TheatreLab’s Basement thru 1/24