My overall impression
‘Split/ Screen’ leans heavily on direction by Wendy GoodmanThum and acting due to a very sparse set. The performance is nicely complemented with mostly original live music by Ben Rosenblum and creative infused video projection.
Both the music and video highlight the despair and powerlessness in this crossroad of four characters of very different backgrounds. Alex Montalto, as Kit is a very believable victim of an accident, failed parenting, and his own seemingly fruitless search for purpose. Frank Montano as Dr. Miller serves and is demoralized by The insurance/drug/health without care corporations that doom Rufus, a cancer patient played by Adam Rashad Glen. Rufus, from the projects of El Barrio, tries desperately to mask his fear and anger, but there is no escaping he has been dealt a difficult role in life. Chris Karmiol, who plays the Therapist, is the focus of all the anger, desperation, and hopelessness that Kit feels and mirrors in this encounter with health carelessness and his own demons.
Prepare yourself for dark subject matter. But for those who need a break from manufactured entertainment, there is a spark of brilliance to be found in ‘Split/ Screen’.
