ONE FOR THE ROAD by Harold Pinter
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
An interesting adaptation of Harold Pinter's 'One for the Road' production, in summary is explained as, 'What happens when authoritarians take over a country?'
'Named as 1984's Play of the Year by Drama magazine, 'One for the Road' is a chilling study of power and powerlessness. Set in an unnamed totalitarian country, the play presents a violent, disturbing portrait of political horror in which an interrogator torments a tortured prisoner and his imprisoned wife and child.' In this play the actual physical violence takes place off stage; Pinter indirectly dramatizes such terror and violence through verbal and non-verbal allusions to off-stage acts of repeated rape of Gila, physical mutilation of Victor, and the ultimate murder of their son, Nicky. The effects of the violence that takes place off stage are, however, portrayed verbally and non-verbally on stage.'
As one walks into the theatre space at Art of Acting Studio, Theatre 2 - one is confused because one is walking into the middle of the play and disturbing the artists on the stage and the audience. From that very moment the show keeps you imprisoned by getting on your nerves throughout the time you are there. At the back of the stage is a piano with a piano player, who has a white mask on and is hardly seen, because of the dimmed light at that portion of the stage. The only bright light is in front where the victims are stationed. The prisoners sitting or standing are even more emphasized as the tortured victims, because of the piercing light projecting the images on the wall behind them and through them. The torture, fear and horror are strongly shown on each of the victims. The bodies are shaking and the torture is visible, not by any markings - but by the fear in their eyes and wet half-naked bodies. Strong play with a chilling prosecutor and truly exhausted and terrified victims.
Directed by Miguel Perez, who was born in San Jose CA. Being raised Catholic he learned to appreciate ritual and ritualized storytelling. He noted that 'One for the Road' is being produced in a cooperative fashion; something that he calls the West Coast Style. Each player prepares their role while having a series of conferences with the director. There are no blocking rehearsals or dress rehearsals. The players will arrive at the theatre knowing only their parts. What will actually happen during the performance is a mystery.' The audience is seeing acting and storytelling at its rawest and most intuitive level. Perez has been wanting to produce this way for a long time.
Nicole Ohara is a Hapa writer, actor, and producer. She is on a mission to build a body of work that takes people on a journey of self-discovery and awareness. Nicole aims to create art that questions the status quo and brings us one step closer to healing.
The cast includes: Ahash Francis, Kristin Lee Kelly, Miguel Perez, Nicole Ohara and Karen Strassman (voice only).
This political one-act play by Harold Pinter, premiered at The Art of Acting Studio, Theatre 2, which is located at 1017 N. Orange Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90038. Tickets: Students $5, General Admission $10, Generous Admission $25 at Brown Paper Tickets.
**A portion of the profits from this production is donated to the ACLU.