Review: Gripping Vulnerability in MAP's BELLEVILLE

MAP Theatre may not be one of the most prolific companies out in Seattle. In fact they tend to do only one or two shows a year. But what we have come to expect from them is certainly more quality than quantity as they invest tremendous amounts of thought and talent into those few shows. Their latest offering, Amy Herzog's "Belleville" currently playing at 12th Ave Arts is no exception. What looks to be a simple relationship drama, when viewed through the lens of the folks at MAP, quickly evolves into a taut psychological thriller.

All looks right with the world with Zack and Abby (Brandon Ryan and Kiki Abba). Two Americans in love living in Paris while Zack works for an organization trying to help children with AIDS. They have a wonderful relationship and friends and landlords Alioune and Amina (Tamron Harrison and Mia Tesfay) who live downstairs. But this idyllic existence begins to show the cracks as Abby comes home early to find Zack not at work and Alioune dropping by to discuss some serious problems with Zack. What follows is a terrifying dissolution of a seemingly perfect world down to the level of chaos.

Under the brilliant direction of Peggy Gannon, the arc and build of this thrilling ride happens almost without you knowing until it's too late to go back. And the honesty and thoughtfulness of the characters that she has instilled in the show only makes for a more harrowing journey. It's a near perfect journey. I say near but my one minor qualm has nothing to do with the performances or the direction but the script as I found it to be one scene too long. The play had, for me, a definite resolution with all questions being and answered and enough information given to know where the characters would go after. But instead of ending there, we got one more scene that lent nothing to the story but the possibility of ending on a lighter note. And to top it all off the entire scene is in French so while I got most of what they were talking about, it wasn't completely clear and just tended to dilute the already powerful ending even more.

The cast, especially the two leads, are stunning to watch. Abba turns in a heartbreakingly vulnerable performance as she exudes strength to the role even during the most dangerous moments. Ryan gives one of the best performances I've seen from him to date (which is saying something) with this highly complex and layered man. Even Ryan's quiet moments demand attention as you can practically see the wheels turning in his head but never once out of character. And the two of them together lend and incredible chemistry as they pass the baton of who's in control back and forth culminating in ... well, I don't want to give it all away.

What appears to be a modest outing telling a relationship story from a small theater company is actually a terrifying and gripping tale filled with fear and power from a supremely talented company bringing their A-game. And so with my three letter rating system I give MAP Theatre's "Belleville" a blown away YAY. It just teaches us to never judge anything by what's on the surface. It's what lies underneath that can be truly beautiful and horrifying.

"Belleville" from MAP Theatre performs at 12th Ave Arts through April 16th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.map-theatre.com. And as always with MAP Theatre shows, all tickets are name your own price.

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