Redtwist Theatre is high-kicking and playing on the edge for Season 21, themed "Defiant Femmes." It is a timely theme and, in my opinion, needed to bolster the energy and power of women while our society balances on the edge of "paleo-conservatism." How to Transcend a Happy Marriage is written by Sarah Ruhl, known for her themes of gender, identity, and challenging the subjugation of women. Elizabeth Swanson directs this excellent cast with the precision and flow needed for the rhythms of Ruhl's sharp dialogue, with a dive into magical realism.
A set of close friends gets together for an evening of drinks at the home of Jane (Monique Marshaun) and Michael (Joe Zarrow). George (Tatiana Pavela) and Paul (Carlos Treviño) look after each other's kids, are comfortable with each other, and have shared sweet memories. Marshaun and Zarrow have a lovely and trusting chemistry. There is a comfort level that comes from acting skills and excellent direction. George's name is Georgia, but her mother is Australian, and thus George. She and Paul have a tension between them like barometric pressure before a storm. Pavela is a standout, absorbing and embodying the fears, anxieties, and questions that have a grip on the American striving class. These friends have reached the upper middle class and are clawing to remain there.
Jane works at a legal aid office and brings up a temp named Pip (Shaina Toledo) who is in a polyamorous relationship with two men. Pip is described as very energetic and free-spirited. George, Paul, and Michael are very curious about the relationship. Are they bisexual? Do they all sleep together at once, or do they take turns? Michael brings up a book he read called The Ethical Slut, about women who do not aspire to be monogamous and settle down into traditional relationships and mores. The group decides to invite them over for New Year's Eve, and things get interesting.
Pip brings Freddie (William Delforge) and David (Joshua Servantez) to the celebration. I liked the dynamic that the actors had with each other. Toledo's portrayal resembles a modern-day Bettie Page with a sensuality that feels genuine without taking offense at the questions tossed at them. Servantez is hilarious as mathematician David, with wild musings on the nature of relationships and the universe from a Pythagorean view. Delforge has an angelic look as the person who takes care of the household. He doesn't work or buy anything, but he is integral to the dynamic.
There are hash brownies and nursery rhyme karaoke. Jane and Michael's daughter Jenna (Elonie Quick) comes home from a disappointing New Year's Eve only to witness a scene that she considers an outrage. But is it? The relationships and visions that follow the group question the nature of being human and the metaphysical realities of every sentient life. It is brilliant. Every performance reaches a perfect emotional pitch. Behavior that could be considered outrageous is also very funny. However, life is on a spectrum of beliefs and behaviors, and Sarah Ruhl is the premier translator of American culture and its vulnerability. She is a Defiant Femme.
Everything about the play is on point without any wasted beats or lags in the action. The cast and direction give off heat. The performances leave everything open. Rose Johnson's set design is a cool retro mid-century look accented by Paige Bosler's cool props. Everything contributes to a portrait of human beings in a consumer society who wonder what their legacy will be. It's also a treatise on honesty, defining what is moral and upholding those principles. I highly recommend that you see How to Transcend a Happy Marriage. Season 21 promises to be a humdinger.
How to Transcend a Happy Marriage runs two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. The show runs through September 21 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. For more information about Redtwist and the Defiant Femmes season, please visit RedtwistTheatre.org.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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