This cozy theater is today and he has been reinforcing since my divorce to 'be good to yourself'. I…read moredid just that this weekend, first attending the opera #Carmen on Friday night, then attended this play last night. I was intrigued by the synopsis because it mentioned taking place on 9/11, but the storyline goes well beyond that fateful day.
The Mercy Seat.
First, the theater: a small, intimate area with only 3 rows of seats. I've always enjoyed smaller theaters as you get ThisClose to the actors. Next, the play itself - clearly a unique display of two actors taking us on a roller coaster of emotions through their relationship. Having recently come out of a 6-year tie myself, I was able to relate to both characters and became submerged with the plot.
At the end of the show, there is a small gathering area where the actors meet and talk with audience members. I shook hands with Aleks and listened intently how he explained to a small group of women how he mentally prepared for the character of Ben - stating several times how he was an a-hole and had to continuously remind himself of that. As I listened to him, I sensed that male-bashing bias that I've come to hear all too often. It's true that the character of Ben had been in a 3-year relationship with this woman while his wife and children are home. But the woman he is having an affair with is just as guilty. She made the conscientious decision to get involved with a married man who has children. She may be coming to the realization that she wants more, but Ben is not at fault for this. Furthermore, we hear Ben talk about his kids at several points throughout the storyline. So while his mistress (and boss) apparently fulfills certain destinations for Ben within the bedroom, he still loves his kids. I can relate to Ben. I was in a miserable marriage for years but didn't have the spine to leave them because I love my two boys. So from my perspective, Aleks doesn't give Ben enough credit. It takes two to tango, and Ben clearly has more to lose than his mistress.
With that said, I would like to congratulate both Aleks and Ray-Anna Ranae on an absolutely brilliant performance. I didn't know this playhouse existed until yesterday but would