BWW Reviews: Studio 2nd Stage Presents PAS DE DEUX – Two Plays from New Zealand and Canada

It can be a bit of a gamble to present multiple plays in one evening of theatre. There's always a question of whether the two (or more) plays need to have a common theme or another element, which ties them together. It may not always be necessary, but in this case Studio Theatre's 2^nd Stage Division hits the jackpot in finding two plays that not only explore common themes present in adult sexual relationships, but are also of equal quality. Visceral, evocative, and charged with energy, New Zealand's Gary Henderson's Skin Tight and Canada's Daniel MacIvor's 2-2 Tango - both of which comprise Studio 2^nd Stage's Pas de Deux theatrical event - stand fine on their own but are even better as a pair.

Skin Tight focuses on Elizabeth (Emily Townley) and Tom's (Jens Rasmussen) marriage - warts and all. When we first meet them, they are engaged in combat - of sorts - on a grassy mat. Through sharp movement (choreographed by Nancy Bannon with assistance from Graham Brown) and even (at times) more pointed dialogue, they explore the ups and downs of their longstanding relationship. Moments of anger quickly turn into sexual encounters in the blink of an eye. Moments of tenderness quickly fade to showcase each person's dark secrets and fears. In this play, superbly directed by Johanna Gruenhut, notions of time and space are thrown out, but Henderson's exquisitely constructed play leading to a largely unexpected reveal in the final moments (with some assistance Ken Vest, a mysterious man) is more straightforward than we might initially be led to believe. A heartbreaking and fearless Emily Townley who meets her acting match in Jens Rasmussen, leads us (together with Rasmussen) on a journey that's intense and emotional, raw and human.

Daniel MacIvor's seamless 2-2 Tango is not a new piece to longtime Studio 2^nd Stage audiences - in fact it was an early hit - but it's no less of a powerful experience than Skin Tight. James (Alex Mills) and Jim (Jon Hudson Odom) may not have the long history that Elizabeth and Tom do. Further, their relationship may be depicted in less intense ways, but their struggles, fears, and connections are no less real and emotionally-charged. Using precise and well-executed movements that incorporate elements of formal dance (also choreographed by Bannon/Brown), the equally matched actors/dancers play out - with much charm and charisma - a relationship in the modern era. In this Eric Ruffin-directed play, it's not possible to sidestep (so to speak) the important issues; they must be faced head on even as we try as hard as possible to avoid confrontation. Aided by a mysterious boy (Maceo Dolan-Sandrino) they are able to identify and define their connections to one another in a way that might not always be possible with just words/direct conversation.

Language and movement are the centerpieces of both plays, but minimal production values reinforce the ideas found within them without being a distraction. JD Madsen's scenic designs - rudimentary and bright in Skin Tight and modern and pristine in 2-2 Tango - are utilitarian for these movement-based pieces, while highlighting the kinds of figurative worlds that the characters inhabit. Jedidiah Roe's lighting design is particularly interesting in 2-2 Tango. Enhancing the already performance-like mood of the piece, it's an example of lighting being innovative without being too gimmicky. Kelsey Hunt's (Skin Tight) and Rebecca DeLapp's (2-2 Tango) costumes, like Madsen's sets provide insight into the 'worlds' - whether actual or not - that our duos inhabit. James Bigbee Garver's varied sound design adds further ambient information.

A highly theatrical pair of plays, they offer valuable insight into the nature of adult relationships of many sorts. Intense and thought-provoking, they're definitely something to see.

Running Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes with one intermission.

Pas de Deux: Plays from New Zealand and Canada is being presented at Studio 2^nd Stage - 1501 14St, NW in Washington, DC - through May 19, 2013. For tickets, call the box office at 202-332-3300 or purchase them online.

Graphic: Provided by Studio Theatre

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