This intriguing play, by
British author Oliver Cotton, is about two Jewish brothers who, in their youth survived
the Holocaust, then reconnect after a 30 year rift. The younger one has a
secret that he believes can bring satisfaction and closure to their past
trials. Without giving away the surprises in the plot, let’s just say their
brotherhood bond is being tested to the limit. The play vehemently touches on
the question of justifiable revenge, but in the end focuses on loyalty and leaves
the moral dilemma unresolved.
The parallel story of a past
love affair distracts from the glaring question: Is seeking revenge for evil
actions in the past, justice or murder? Although the author makes good points
about the danger of denying one's past, I wish what could have been a serious
ethical debate had not turned out to be a family drama about lost love. In
fact, I would have enjoyed an after-show discussion on the theme. 
Richard Fancy is an
emotional tyrant as the long-lost brother Billy, while George Wyner’s Joe displays
outward calm as he desperately tries to hold on to his once calm life. Sharron
Shayne, as the practical Elli, shows the pain and wonder of being torn between two
strong men. 
This Rogue Machine presentation
is produced by John Perrin Flynn, and expertly directed by Elina de Santos,
with a naturalism that, unfortunately, often left us unable to hear the
dialogue.
At the MET Theatre, 1089
N. Oxford Ave, Hollywood, through October 30. Tickets: 855-585-5185 or at www.roguemachinetheatre.com.
Parking is $6 at Medical Center, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd.
Photos by John Perrin
Flynn
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