[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Theatre West’s Incitation to the Dance, written and directed by Michael Van Duzer, produced for Theatre West by Bryan Siu and Dina Morrone, and running through March 15.
A long-term couple, Malcolm and Asher, are settled in their life together. Malcolm is a celebrated film professor, and Asher, a well-loved dance instructor. It is clear from the start that they truly love each other. Asher, however, is out of work and feeling more and more unsettled. He prowls around the house talking about renovations and getting stuck on Instagram. Things are heavy at home. Malcolm tries to encourage, but of course, that is interpreted as patronizing.
It’s all very classic couples stuff. Something I am certain most of us have experienced from time to time. Classic until they acquire a stalker that is.
Although perhaps that in and of itself has become more common than we would all like to imagine. At first, the dashing young man across the street who watches the house seems thrilling to them, adding a bit of spice to their dull lives. But as the man gets closer to the house, walking through the garden, peaking in the windows, Asher gets a little agitated. Then one morning he walks into the house and the young man is sitting on the couch…invited in by Malcolm.
What happens next is a story rather akin to one of the film noirs Malcolm studies with his students. What seems like a tranquil life is suddenly interrupted by a dramatic and deeply flawed individual. But the flaws don’t remain limited to the interloper. Like a weed finding its way through stone or concrete, this young man ruthlessly forces a path between Asher and Malcolm. He puts pressure on an already difficult relationship, and the result is fiery confrontations and strange sexual trysts.
There is also some wonderful dancing. The interloper, Finn, is a dancer by trade and inspires quite a bit of sexual tension with his often underdressed manoeuvrings. He is staying in the guest room, and you can imagine the repercussions of Malcolm’s ill-advised invitation.
Incitation to The Dance is a beautifully crafted drama, full of gorgeous dialogue and profoundly real connections, especially between Malcolm and Asher, and also Asher and Finn. The story unfolds in unexpected ways, and it’s the acceptance of this that I found the most satisfying in this interesting and very candid peek inside a deep, long love connection.
Incitation to The Dance is a selection from Theatre West’s Writers-in-Residence Series, presenting the works of Theatre West’s resident playwrights. Once again, Theatre West has assisted in the development of something very, very special through their writers’ labs and resident playwrights. What a precious theatre this is, we are so lucky to have them in our midst. Bravo!!
When:
February 13-March 15
Friday and Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 3PM
Where:
3333 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/incitation-to-the-dance-tickets-1975939145174
Incitation to the Dance Cast: Michael Gabiano portrays Malcolm. David Mingrino plays Asher. Casey Alcoser portrays Finn.