Theater Review By Yani Perez… The Bad in Each Other at The Tank, written by Alexander Perez, is a mindful exploration of relationships and how they can bring out the best or worst in a person.
The play centers around Karma, a talented and spunky artist, and Felix, a sensitive activist. Their initial fling escalates into a passionate relationship where they constantly battle their ideologies, creative endeavors and love for one another. The play delves into themes of creative success, the betrayal of ideals, and the contradictions in activism. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, questions arise about the true cost of their ambitions and the superficial comforts of modern life. The concept of selling out and authenticity is explored, and although they disagree, they manage to continue their relationship until Felix’s ego intervenes and their lives change forever.
The talented cast delivers compelling performances. Cherrye J. Davis and Justy Kosek immerse themselves into their roles with a dedication that keeps the audience engaged, conveying the complexities of the characters they portray with skill and authenticity. Although the cast is solid, the direction could vary their tones a little more, which could elevate the emotional impact and make the narrative even more compelling.
Daniel Allen’s setting is intimate and evocative, effectively drawing the audience into the unfolding drama. However, the frequent movement of set pieces sometimes disrupts the flow of the performance. Streamlining these transitions could enhance the overall experience, allowing the story to unfold more seamlessly.
Perez’s writing showcases a firm grasp of dialogue and character development, making the interactions between Karma and Felix not just authentic, but deeply relatable. His storyline is intelligent, addressing issues not often considered in romantic relationships.
The Bad in Each Other is a compelling and evocative play that will not only entertain you but also leave you pondering some thought-provoking questions.
The Bad in Each Other plays at The Tank, 312 W 36th (between 8th and 9th Avenues) through August 3. For more information visit The Tank’s website.
