With delight and schadenfreude, Ash Flanders’ Commentary skewers the male artistic genius

Ash Flanders' Commentary is a bold and sharp new play that skewers the male artistic genius through acerbic commentary. The story revolves around Nick Atkinson, a middle-aged film academic and former filmmaker, portrayed by Gyton Grantley. He prepares the director's commentary for a retrospective screening of his film, "Low," in a city's film festival.

The film, made with his creative partner Hamish, once a much-lauded classic, stars Saskia (Kate Cheel) as a 14-year-old girl pursued by an older male, played by Hamish. However, Hamish's predatory behavior towards another young woman tarnishes the film's reputation, leading to Nick's downfall.

Flanders' writing skillfully presents characters turned inside out to reveal the gory underside of human behavior, exposing changing morality in art and relationships. Petra Kalive directs a dream cast in this enjoyable and mercilessly sharp drama, combining satire and stark realism.

The play incorporates mediated conversations, including an auteur's voice-over commentary, live zoom calls, filmed images, and podcast interviews. These interactions constantly highlight the characters' actions and present themselves, emphasizing the public vs. private personas of each character.

The casting is exceptional, with three actors playing six women who impact Nick's life. Anna Steen's portrayal of Nick's wife Mish is immaculate, revealing the unequal effort women put into relationships, while Shardae Santos brilliantly plays Gen, Nick's film student and lover, and Hamish's daughter Frankie. Cheel's Saskia is a highlight, portraying a slightly unhinged, manipulative, and image-obsessed star, leaving the audience questioning the power dynamics between Nick and Saskia.