What I liked
There was moment during Black & Blue when I realized that I was looking through a window into what it means to be a man who is facing the uncomfortable truth of his own choices. This is a rare experience to witness a man’s vulnerability and doubts, his fears and regrets, and his hopes. I sensed Matthew Martin chose these two plays to be presented together so I would have this insight, these feelings, this understanding. I applaud the actors who dove into the characters and the director for the courage to choose these two one-act plays and direct the actors with sensitivity and wisdom.
What I didn't like
When Matthew is getting dressed, the silence is so poignant I kind of wanted his ritual to take even longer. That’s a great comment because it shows how well the acting and directing is.
My overall impression
It was a great night of theatre. Martin Matthew has done a terrific job producing and directing both one-act plays. Actors Adam Meredith is great and so is Blaine Vedros. Red, White, Black & Blue is worth experiencing because the work is authentic and speaks to the times.
I wrote the one-act play Drowning and I loved sitting in the audience watching the character I created unfold before me. When I heard Adam Meredith speak the first words of dialogue, I knew he understood this character, and I wasn’t disappointed. I watched an actor discover the character as the play progressed. This is exciting theatre when the audience gets to go on the journey with the character.
