What I liked
THE HOLY NAME OF APOSTASY is a subversive and uncomfortable piece of theatre that upends expectations of the Catholic Church abuse scandal and predatory nature, in general. Brandon Courture is particularly effective as the young man being ‘pursued’ by the older Mother, and God himself. MAN VS. ARMADILLO makes the most out of the intimate theatre, with a grounded lead performance by Kevin Scott Allen who handles the confusion and aggression associated with early dementia quite well. Also – the use of live percussion as score worked so much better than I ever would have imagined.
What I didn't like
The pacing could be tighter throughout, though this was a preview, and that is to be expected. And, though the use of the gun on stage did not bother me as it has others, I did wish the actors had been aware of where the gun was aimed (in relationship to one another) because it really is all an audience can pay attention to when it’s in their eye line.
My overall impression
Two tight, provocative, and engaging pieces that deal, in their own ways, with the way guilt can consume our lives. Playwrights Benjamin Schwartz and Ryan Lisman have produced a simple, effective hour of theatre that showcases some stellar performances.
