My overall impression
Intriguing, poignant and full of angst, Love is a Battlefield achieves an air of nostalgia while pulling us into a story of star-crossed lovers. Part Paul Thomas Anderson, part Saved By the Bell: The College Years; the “battle” here is one of contrivance vs. creativity. The winner? Storytelling.
Every so often we get too comfortable with the world and human progress in concerns to prejudice. Then something happens to remind us that the world is full of hate, and there is always growth to be made. This interesting, little play acted as a catalyst against the mind of complacency. When realizing what the play was about, I must admit the thought occurred, “Oh, its one of those.” (Which is a prejudice against preachy entertainment.) But moments after that, the character’s relationship-spider-webs woven through flashbacks and flash-forwards became compelling, despite my reactive reservations. And the entire story became a metaphor for the gay rights movement. The movement is in its collegiate stages. Celebrating its freedom to exist, its pride, if you will. Becoming educated in the ways of the wide-open world. However, still unsure of itself, fighting for its identity, galvanized by amorphous hatred and definite love.
In the end, you’re left with a piece that is creative enough, fascinating enough, good enough to enjoy. Beyond that, it has a lot a to say.
