What I liked
This piece brings to life and physicalizes the mental demons the main character is hiding from his partner. Effective use of sound and visuals adds to the dramatic affect as they reenact harrowing moments from the past – and share a beer or two. The trauma of the past affecting the present plays out in some surprising ways. These are issues I do not have personal experience with and cannot relate to directly but this play made them relatable and sympathetic. I found this a fascinating play.
What I didn't like
If anything, I would enjoy seeing a longer version of this piece that takes even more time with the romantic relationship struggling to survive.
My overall impression
This play itself is a fascinating piece. Knowing it is derived from actual experiences of soldiers adjusting to their return home, there is an authenticity to the storytelling that automatically adds weight to the play. The memories being brought to life are exciting and disturbing.
The play shifts tone, radically at times, from heartwarming to gut-wrenching, all depending on what the character Adam is remembering or trying to suppress. It is intense, thrilling and sometimes heart-breaking.
