In a Dark Dark House

Reviewed By Neal Weaver
Broken Hand Productions at The Matrix Theatre
Through August 31

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Photo by Bobby Quillard

Is it sexual abuse when one of the participants experienced it as a love affair? Or does that merely make it more abusive? This is just one of the disturbing and provocative questions that emerge from Neil LaBute’s gripping three-character play. It is, as the playwright has observed, his most personal work, and a memory play in which the past is almost as important as the present.

In this tale of two brothers, Terry (Aaron McPherson) is the elder and has always run interference for Drew (Shaun Sipos). Drew is relatively rich but not particularly ethical. Trained as a lawyer, he was disbarred for shady, lucrative behavior.

Terry also has problems. Having never realized his ambitions, he works as a night watchman and has serious anger management problems. He has spent time in prison for brutally beating up their violent, bullying father.

When the play begins, Drew is in an expensive psychiatric hospital, trying to recover from his substance abuse. He has summoned Terry to ask him for help. Terry is initially hostile and mistrustful. Drew must explain what he wants from Terry: corroboration. Drew has claimed to his doctors that he was sexually abused by an older man, Todd (whom we never see). Todd was a kind of golden boy, who seemed to know how to do everything. He befriended both brothers and called them both “Buddy.” But the doctors suspect that Todd may be imaginary, a fantasy Drew has invented to justify his own irresponsible actions. So Drew has summoned Terry to vouch for the reality of Todd. Terry agrees to do, but gradually it emerges that Todd was a major force in his life as well. And beneath a fragile veneer of brotherly love, the brothers are enmeshed in a virulent love-hate relationship, fraught with jealousy and resentment.

The third character is Jennifer (Annie Chernecky), the 15-year-old daughter of Todd — and he calls her “Buddy,” too. Terry has sought out Todd in an attempt to come to terms with the past, but Todd doesn’t even recognize him. Ultimately the two brothers must find a path to some kind of mutual understanding.

Larry Moss reveals his sensitivity to the play’s nuances and a fine directorial hand as he pilots his actors through the convoluted maze of contradictory stories and gradually emerging facts. McPherson, in the most fully developed role, reveals Terry’s inherent decency, even as he struggles to master his own resentments. Sipos, as Drew, shows us an inherently feckless young man, who nevertheless always seems to land on his feet. And Chernecky, as the adolescent Jennifer, must struggle with the dilemma of an adult actress playing a child. Though her portrayal is occasionally forced, it remains a skillful and engaging performance.

LaBute has had an extraordinary career as writer and director of films, as well as plays. And this is a worthy addition to his already impressive resume.

Broken Hand Productions at The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Avenue, LA; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m., thru August 31. (323) 960-7612, darkhousela.com