After seeing two plays in a row based in a mental institution, it’s hard not to go a little crazy. But when the harrowing environment comes with the finessed performances and thoughtful themes of Theater Alliance’s latest, Blue/Orange, it’s worth the trial.
In director Jeremy Skidmore’s Blue/Orange, two doctors are treating Christopher (Cedric Mays), a disturbed individual who may or may not be schizophrenic – and also thinks he’s the son of African dictator Idi Amin. Christopher’s about to get out of the institution, and one of his doctors, Bruce (Aubrey Deeker), thinks needs to stay longer; Robert (Michael Tolaydo), his superior, believes the opposite. The struggle over Christopher’s fate proves to be the central conflict within Blue/Orange
Which isn’t to say this is an evenly-sided battle with two equally compelling sides; Robert’s case is particularly weakened by his clear desire to factor in more superficial factors like the financial ramifications of lengthening Christopher’s stay, or the ego blow that comes with having his “mentee” question his authority. Indeed, some of Robert’s more offensive statements (“Follow the path of least resistance,” he advises at one point), seem almost over the top in their cyncism and clichéd nature. Almost an exclusively dialogue-dependent play (the set is bare, the action is minimal), this means that these moments can drag down Blue/Orange at points.
But things get more interesting in the second act, where we get a taste of how manipulative Robert can be. The character also raises some blunt but not obvious questions about a community’s role in shaping personality that are worthy of some consideration, while still inviting skepticism. And each actor gets his chance to shine as the play’s conclusion draws nearer. There’s the fussily charming Deeker’s startling meltdown, the way Tolaydo keenly balances his character’s casual familiarity with his patient and his sputtering, questionable motives that come to the forefront when confronted, or Mays’ deftly physical and frequently pitiable performance.
Blue Orange runs through June 10 at H Street Playhouse. Tickets are available online.
