In Lyle Kessler’s new play
we meet two brothers who were robbed of a mother and are having to deal with their
towering aggressive father. The elder son is a drifter who fled years before,
the younger is a recluse who secretly writes stories. Although Father is a
loudmouth, he has love for his sons, but keeps it as well hidden as the fortune
he plans to leave as his legacy.
The first half of the play promises to explore
this great divide in families. There is a baseball game that shows togetherness
can work, but then it veers away into a series of senseless physical battles. These
folk, who live in middle America, seem to reside in a constant state of
conflict and rage. When two people climb in the window looking for the eldest
son it gets more confusing. Here is a pregnant girl who lacks a uterus (sic), and
her demented gun-toting sibling who lost an arm in some catastrophe. 
The actors are all good: Richard Chaves as ambiguous dad; Adam Haas Hunter as
rebellious son; Brandon Bales as timid kid brother; Kimberly Alexander as
bewildered girlfriend, and Mark McClain Wilson as the crazy interloper.
Energetically directed
by David Fofi. Produced by Bren Coombs and Shannon McManus for Elephant Theatre
Company. Set, sound, and lighting design by Elephant Stageworks.
At the Lillian
Theatre.1076 N. Lillian Way, Hollywood, through August 29th. Tickets available
at www.plays411.net/divide or by calling 323-960-4429.
Photos by Bren Coombs.
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