Modern performance gives intimate look at relationships

The intimate play "Two Small Bodies" by Neal Bell will shock some, but cause others to wonder about the power of human obsession.

This is an adult play touching on many themes, including sex and the mysteries of human attraction. Leading roles are taken by Catherine Cook, a drama teacher at Spanish Springs High School in Reno, as cocktail waitress Eileen and the mother of two children who have disappeared; and Peter L. Coates, a building contractor in normal life, who plays detective Lt. Brann, who is investigating the disappearance of Eileen's children.

The detective is a by-the-book officer who, nevertheless, allows Cook to play games with his handcuffs, including locking him with them with his hands behind him. It's not exactly a by-the-book move.

The play, which appeared on Broadway in 1977, is a powerful study of relationships under stress. It will be presented on a nearly bare stage with just a few props. If it were a film, it probably would be rated as R because of the language and sexual themes. It's definitely not for children.

Director Karen Chandler, who teaches drama at Carson High School, described the first act of the plays as "eight scenes that flash by," while the second act is "one long scene with a few asides."

During rehearsals, Chandler said, "The ending is ambiguous. It's up to the audience to decide what really happened with the two children. Hopefully, they will find that the two (adult) characters find each other."

Chandler pointed out that the adult aspect of the play is part of a trend in local theater, such as a recent mature-audiences-only production by the Burka Theatre group in Reno.

Much of the thrust of the play is about Eileen's lack of respect for men, despite seven affairs with them. This collides with the detective's certainty of his role as he appears at her apartment at odd times.

While the script of "Two Small Bodies" has been toned down a little, it is still vivid and graphic in places.

If watching the rehearsal is any clue, the audience is going to be in for a rough but intriguing ride. It's modern theater at its best.

The drama will be presented at the Donald W. Reynolds Theatre in the Brewery Arts Center March 9-11 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for BAC members, seniors and students and $12 for the general public. Tickets are at the Brewery by calling 883-1976 or at the door.

--Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

If you go

WHAT: Drama "Two Small Bodies," by Neal Bell

WHEN: 8 p.m. March 9, 10 and 11

WHERE: Donald W. Reynolds Theatre, Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.

COST: Tickets are $10 for BAC members, seniors and students, $12 general

admission

CALL: 883-1976