Why is it that we never get tired of hearing the same old back and forth banter between men and women? We all know the various points each gender interprets differently but for some reason, it's a juicy story always worth coming back to. It's an anomaly of sorts – that the battle of the sexes infiltrates our daily lives and yet we still find the subject enticing. These differing, gender-enhanced points of view serve as a platform for male and female bonding where brothers and sisters from all different walks of life stand up together to defend themselves in the purist form of camaraderie. This inherent misalignment between men and women is exactly what Love's Divide showcases in a profoundly funny and realistic manner.
The latest creation of R & R Productions, Love's Divide is an "un-romantic" comedy written and preformed by Thomas Ryan and Suzanne Rydz and directed by J. William Bruce. Without much of a set, Ryan and Rydz let the play's laurels rest solely on the script, which turns out to be an intelligent work of art comprised of thought provoking phrases mixed in with dialogue that bites and leaves a "comedic" sting. The words of the dialogue itself are artfully pieced together to provide point, counterpoint to the female perspective versus the male. And even though audiences are laughing, booing or shouting words of encouragement to the actors while they are performing, there is a distinct substance behind what Ryan and Rydz are saying about the male/female relationship, albeit the bonus humor element attached to it all. From dating through marriage to divorce, Love's Divide seems to hit every major stage of a relationship between a man and a woman and dissects it through each set of eyes. Just when you think you agree with one of them, their "better half" comes along to smack any notion of being correct immediately out of your mind – and you laugh the entire way.
Love's Divide certainly doesn't require a boisterous audience- the dialogue will make its impact either way – but it certainly does add to the overall experience. I was lucky enough to sit with a very animated crowed at the performance I attended which I believe only enhanced Ryan and Rydz's performances. There was a good mix of couples, groups of women and groups of men who attended this particular night who were not afraid to voice their thoughts. When Rydz made her very "pro-female" remarks, she looked directly to a group of men, as if specifically talking to them as she delivered her lines, as female audience members backed up her statements. When it was Ryan's turn to counter point, he turned to the men in the crowed, either single or "committed," to validate his point, even though his words alone said it all.
Love's Divide is a fun performance that just lets loose by throwing stereotypes out into the open with no regrets. The dialogue is crude and blunt but makes a point. From "shock and awe blow jobs" as sexual manipulation for marriage to the "cool" chick equaling the "martyr" chick, there's something everyone can relate to, no matter who you are. And although there are some nuances to the performance – Rydz's character consistently slips over the "too righteous" line for my liking and is far to skinny and toned to be complaining about 15 pounds of baby weight along with the fact that Ryan and Rydz discuss gender differences in marriage while neither one ever wears a wedding ring, etc. – the play is ultimately successful in providing good entertainment for all. It's a great play to drag friends to, especially those who claim they "don't like theater." It's hard not to like this performance when the content is so close to everyday life and allows us to all happily poke fun at ourselves.
Love's Divide is playing at the Triad Theater now through July 26. Please visit www.lovesdivide.com for continued show information.
