‘Pre-Existing Condition’ Off Broadway Review: Lupita Nyong’o Goes Big to Play an All-Too Common Victim

The revival of Marin Ireland's one-act play, "Pre-Existing Condition," opened Monday at Greenwich House Theater, featuring a star-studded cast. The entire production is led by Lupita Nyong’o, who plays a woman who has endured domestic violence from a former boyfriend. Nyong’o performs for a limited time before being replaced by Edie Falco and others.

The protagonist, known only as “A,” undergoes both one-on-one sessions with her psychiatrist and group support sessions led by two women. Nyong’o’s performance is described as expansive and packed with emotion, utilizing exaggerated gestures and strained facial expressions throughout the play.

Marina Dizzia’s direction adds a surreal element to the performance, with Orlandersmith and Sarah Steele lingering on stage before and after their lines. The set also includes Greg Keller, who plays A’s mother and several of A’s potential boyfriends.

Orlandersmith, who plays the psychiatrist, is cast in the role despite her age and gender, which is unusual. Keller, meanwhile, brings the same distinctive line readings to his male roles as he does to A’s father figure.

Another female character in the play, played by Sarah Steele, exhibits little empathy for A, constantly questioning why she doesn’t feel sympathy for her abuser. This raises questions about A's judgment, especially considering she has previously left an abusive boyfriend. After the play, one of Orlandersmith’s authoritarian characters warns A, "Don’t forget that there’s a lot of manipulation happening here.

He still has some control over you. Especially when you're alone. His voice is still in your head. That keeps you in relationship with him, and that means you don’t have to grieve yet."

While "Pre-Existing Condition" is not a full play, it functions more as a PSA (public service announcement), emphasizing the importance of recognizing manipulation and abuse in relationships.