The Bench, A Homeless Love Story

Reviewed by Neal Weaver
Hudson Guild Theatre
Extended through December 13

RECOMMENDED

This solo performance is written and performed by Robert Galinsky. In addition to being a writer and actor, Galinsky is a lifelong social activist, volunteering with numerous organizations, including teaching classes for incarcerated youth at New York City’s Rikers Island Detention Center. His play examines the plight of people dealing with homelessness. As he explained in a talk-back after the show, he doesn’t like referring to homeless people as “The Homeless,” as if that were the only fact of their lives. He reminds us that homelessness is just a circumstance which could happen to any of us if we were the victim of disastrous misfortunes.

Galinsky focuses his attention on homeless individuals whom he met in his neighborhood in Manhattan in 1987. Graveyard is a man who was robbed and savagely beaten, then confined to a hospital for many months during his recovery. During that time, he lost his store, his apartment and all he owned. Lorraine was a dedicated teacher till a student to whom she had given a failing grade turned vengeful and accused her of molesting him. She lost her job, her income, her vocation and her self-esteem. She was finally cleared, but by that time it was too late. She was demoralized and infected with HIV. She eventually achieved a degree of rehabilitation after she encountered a former student who told her how she had changed his life.

Joe was a committed merchant marine who in the course of his career was assigned the task of rescuing sailors from a sinking Japanese ship. He was successful in saving all of the stranded seaman, but his legs were crushed in the rescue. He was decorated for his valor, but was no longer able to pursue the career he loved and the only life he knew. He fell in love with Lorraine and was infected with HIV. When she had a stillborn son named Daniel, Joe took his name in tribute.

The stories are undeniably grim, but because of Galinsky’s exuberance and skill, his characters are never merely depressing. Their energy, resilience, resourcefulness and determination are their saving grace as they struggle to survive and pursue some kind of redemption.

Galinsky credits director Jay O. Sanders with helping him shape his material. Graphic artist Daphne Arthur designed the set and created the striking drawings which ornament it. And Deep Singh is responsible for the audio design.

Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Thur.-Fri., 8 p.m.; extended through Dec. 13. (323) 960-7822 or www.plays411.com/thebench. Running time: 55 minutes with no intermission.