Powerful personal drama provides both bark and bite

This gripping production from Theatre by the River delves into a story of restraint and liberation, initiated before the playwright's words can entangle the audience in the "stickiness of Sap". Director Elio Zarrillo stages the performance in a unique setting with four segments surrounding a central channel, where the actions of the actors remain unseen unless viewers keep their heads on a swivel.

The story follows a young communications professional for a women's aid charity, whose dating life is a work in progress. She is bright and optimistic, taking notice of elements of nature that others overlook. Her character's relationship with her boss, a woman seen as perfect, starkly contrasts her own journey of self-discovery.

She encounters a confident woman at a lesbian bar, leading to a long-term relationship. However, fear and doubt arise from the start, as her past relationships with bisexual women have all failed. To fit within her partner's preferred sexual taxonomy, she chooses to hide her truth, leading to a life of deception.

The production features intense emotional encounters, depicting situations of stalking, entrapment, and sexual assault. The emotional journey of the characters is effectively mirrored by the cello compositions of Grace Morningstar, who translates the rising tension and panic into powerful music.

Ben Waldman, a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter, highlights this powerful production, emphasizing the balance between the actors' interpretations of the script and Morningstar's cello music. The performance ultimately leaves the audience with a sense of revitalization and self-discovery, despite the challenging situations faced by the characters.