What I liked
Robert Watkins as Titus Freeman, an up and coming California Democrat, forces us to ask ourselves this question: Does the end justify the means? Veering between idealism and manipulation, he pleads for acceptance and redemption. There’s a press conference coming up, and only his wife, played by Gabrielle Farrow, and his brother Colt, played with tender ferocity by Nick Howard, can save the day if they choose to.
The play touches on two hot topics, alcoholism and the MeToo movement. When does acceptance turn into enabling, and when does a victim become a volunteer?
This play forces us to challenge some of our basic assumptions, one of the marks of great theatre.
What I didn't like
I felt that the blocking could have seemed less static at times, but there was always enough going on to hold our interest. All in all, Pervert was riveting, and I hope to see more from those involved in the future.
My overall impression
Since June is Gay Pride month, this play took me completely by surprise. I expected it to be pretty kinky, but in terms of the perversion of justice, it hit the political nail right on the head.
It brought to mind the recent Senate race in Alabama, where Republican Roy Moore lost to a Democrat due in part to his dalliances with underaged girls. It also brought to mind Ted Kennedy’s tragic auto accident at Chappaquiddick in 1969, which many play goers may be too young to remember.
The acting was excellent, and the script, tight. One had to blink twice to remember he was watching Robert Watkins portraying Titus Freeman, a Democratic candidate for Senate, and not watching a young Barack Obama.
With the 2018 elections right around the corner, this play is a must-see.
