Blackbird soars

by Gerry Roe

Dreamwell - There’s something about a messy room that affects our expectations. I still think Mike Nichols was wrong to place George and Martha in a messy, cluttered house in the film version of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? because George and Martha don’t "mess around"; they go straight for the jugular. The messy staff break room we see in Dreamwell Theatre’s current production of David Harrower’s Blackbird seems more in tune with the play we are about to see. The people we are about to meet, Una and Ray, have to do a good deal of thrashing about before they can know how best to attack or even parry.

Ray and Una haven’t seen each other for 15 years, not since their relationship put Ray in prison for statutory rape. Fifteen years ago, Ray was 40. Una was 12. After his release from prison, Ray began a new life with a new name in a new town. To say that he is surprised to see Una is, of course, an understatement. She explains how she found him — his photo in a trade magazine gave her his employer’s name and location. The next hour and fifteen minutes or so (the play unfolds in real time) we are led on a tour through the aftermath of their illicit affair.

That’s all I’m going to say about the situation, except to give you a heads up: if you think you can see where this play is headed, you’re probably wrong. Harrower’s script is full of hairpin curves, speed traps, sharp peaks and unanticipated valleys. Under the very capable guidance of director Angie Toomsen, the actors negotiate this dangerous route with great skill and to great effect. The direction is deft and unobtrusive, but solidly supports the actors.

And such actors! Rip Russell plays Ray and I’m so glad. Rip has the skill, the timing, the craft, and the experience to make this character work. Beyond an impressive resume, Rip has the insight and generosity of spirit to show us a real man — never a caricature. Erin Mills, as Una, takes on the unenviable task of partnering with one of Iowa City’s most experienced and talented actors. Fortunately, she has found the resources to do the job and to make it look effortless. Erin turns in a complex performance alternating great strength with heartbreaking vulnerability.

Dreamwell Theatre continues its Taboo Bijou season with great success. See Blackbird if you can!

Gerry Roe is an actor and director, having been seen onstage at Riverside Theatre, the Iowa City Community Theatre, the University Theatre, and Dreamwell Theatre. He is a lifetime member of the Iowa City Community Theatre.