“Pre-Existing Condition,” playing at the Connelly Theatre (220 E. 4th Street), is a must-see! This production is the tremendous work of Marin Ireland and has stunning direction by Maria Dizzia. It tells the story of a woman and her process of trying to heal and find herself after being physically abused by her boyfriend. This is such a common story that the characters do not have full names: the main character is A; her therapists are B and C; and her boyfriend and other male and female characters are D.
The actors portraying C and D play multiple roles with ease and distinction. This cast delivers spot-on, penetrating, and sometimes funny performances, and each actor brings their own take to their roles.
The main character, A, is poignantly played by Tavi Gevinson. We first see A speaking with C, who is playing the character of a lawyer. A is wondering about what legal process she can follow for the trauma she has experienced. Gevinson inhabits this character with great depth, passion, and empathy.
Character B, one of the therapists in the group therapy sessions, is played by the incomparable actress and playwright Dael Orlandersmith. Every time she takes the stage, she delivers her lines with brilliance and heart. She leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
Sarah Steele plays character C and multiple other roles as one of the domestic violence group therapists; a friend of both character A and her abusive boyfriend, and a friend from A’s hometown, now on her own in the big city.
Ireland carefully and painstakingly lets the audience in on the common ways that female domestic violence victims are viewed, and how they often take on the belief that somehow they are at fault for being abused. Ireland delves into the stereotypes associated with battered women; the audience also bears witness to how a woman can betray her own friend when she takes the side of the friend’s abuser. There are so many moments that shine a light on the unfair fate that befalls so many victims of domestic violence that you cannot help but be captivated.
“Pre-existing Condition” runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. The production features scenic design by Louisa Thompon, costume design by Enver Chakartash, lighting design by Isabella Byrd, and sound design by Palmer Hefferan.
Ireland has delivered a very relevant work, and a piece that should get an important conversation going. For tickets, visit preexistingconditionplay.com.