Review: UNBOUND Examines How Far Some Will Go in Their Quest for a More Perfect Union

With so much social and political upheaval taking place right now in America, it seems to be the perfect time for IAMA Theatre Company to present the World Premiere of UNBOUND, written by D.G. Watson and directed by Jennifer Chambers at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood. Taking place in the fall of 2011, UNBOUND examines the intersection of race, sex, and power by posing the question: "How far are we willing to go in our quest for a more perfect Union?"

The play centers on a popular but divisive Tea Party senator who wants to be the next President of the United States. At the same time, we meet a former Black Panther, who after 36 years in prison, hopes to rebuild his fallen organization through the help of the senator once she is elected. At the same time, two young Occupy activists - Michael and Kate - wake up together in a hotel room at the Venetian in Las Vegas, unable to remember how they got there. While piecing together clues from the previous night, they discover a controversial video recording that, if released to the public, could determine the outcome of the 2012 presidential election, especially when Michael realizes that Kate just happens to be the senator's daughter - and secrets she shares could disqualify her mother from being a presidential candidate.

We meet the younger couple, Michael and Kate (Chris Gardner and Laila Ayad) during Act I on the morning they awaken together, not knowing anything about each other let alone what went on between them the night before. When they realize each attended an Occupy demonstration the night before, facts appear to fall into place, especially when they read the freshly spray painted Occupy slogans on the wall over the bed which they must have done together given the two varying styles of writing. But what about the video camera pointed at the bed? Was something taped that might be useful to either one of them - or perhaps both?

As the scene plays out, their violent interaction turns into a situation requiring the senator and former Black Panther (Gates McFadden and Ellis E. Williams) to work together to make things right and totally hidden from the press, thus ensuring their plans to upset the American political apple cart.

As these four characters chase down their individual dreams of revolution, they unwittingly open a Pandora's box of hidden motives and desires that, once unleashed, threaten to destroy everything they've set out to accomplish. Take note this play is not for the faint of heart as the staged moments of physical brutality between Michael and Kate are emotionally jarring, thanks to fight choreography by Ahmed Best that bursts onstage totally unexpectedly.

You won't see it coming and the shock value is a bit overwhelming, at least in my eyes. And as it occurs at the end of Act I, it was understandable to me why so many audience members did not return after intermission.

All four actors perform their roles with great skill, but the overall effect is disjointed and seems to rely a bit too much on its shock value to generate interest from either the far left or far right members of society who will undoubtedly identify with the potential ramifications when both sides work covertly against the other.

UNBOUND runs through Sunday, November 27 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. Performances are Saturdays at 3:00pm & 8:00pm & Sundays at 7:00pm. Ticket are $30 and may be purchased online by visiting www.iamatheatre.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dean Cechvala

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