What I liked
William has an amazing way with words. Someone, please get him to write the sexy restrained banter for some period Netflix show. “The Birthing Pit” is a really lovely, poignant, and simultaneously twisted look at a man’s distorted relationship with his wife, his secrets, and the sea. Jensen and Maia are absolutely devoted to this show – and it shows. They are entrancing. A lot of love clearly went into crafting this performance. It would be easy to drown in the copious amounts of dialogue, but the actors navigate it well and keep the show from feeling too dense.
I loved the use of the space – Studio/Stage is beautiful. They utilized the lighting well, the actors used the space in a playful way – I was totally along for the ride. Costumes? Beautiful. Props? Perfect. That barrel… you’ll know what I mean when you see it and how they use it :)
What I didn't like
The scene changes have to be performed by the actors – and since there are only two actors, they do take some time. Sometimes it interrupts the flow of the show, but – again – totally forgivable since there are only two of them.
My overall impression
For a fringe show? I was impressed. For a small theatre show? Still impressed. This isn’t a show you will want to miss this fringe. It’s easy to lose gems like this in a sea of silly shows that are thrown together last minute. This piece is really beautiful, haunting, and makes you want to jump onstage with the actors… that’s my gauge of a great show.
(come on, you actors all know what I’m talking about <3)
