THE PLAY: A white man who’s active in the BLM protests falls for a Black man who’s essentially apathetic about the whole movement.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Is this play political or romantic? Unfortunately, it feels more like an extended debate framed in a gay relationship. The same conflict keeps repeating with dialogue that’s either mundane or didactic. Fortunately, the actors seem at home in their relationship. After 4 years in LA, Evan Nasteff is back to create an energetic, motivated advocate. Andrew “Rou” Reid skillfully captures his character’s indifferent demeanor. Director Brandon Rashad Butts has kept most of the staging static, to allow their interactions to play out. Except for the final moments, every scene has the same pace and dynamics. Lucian Restivo’s set is a serviceable suggestion of an exposed brick apartment framed by 2 large windows that double with projections to flesh out the locations. Austin Harber’s lighting serves the show well. It’s not clear whether sound designer Spike Bahermez is responsible for the audio on the streaming version (which I saw), but it’s better than RTP’s last production, but not still professional. Running time: 1:35

 

THE POINT: Even though the script focuses more on the political message than on the rather surface relationship, the actors do an admirable job of making it work.

 

(3 / 5)

 

At Richmond Triangle Players live thru 2/20 (streaming available thru end of month)