By Eva Phillips
The portentous, Two Lines of Lola Hughes’ short but impactful play cause a whole lot of intersection and collision for being so starkly parallel.
Two Lines is, of course, a double entendre of sorts—the two lines most directly refer to a positive pregnancy test, but, on a slightly deeper level, the lines represent the two protagonists who strive to lead parallel lives, but find themselves hopelessly collided after a post-break-up, coital “mistake.” The story begins with Henry (Kris Chandler) anxiously fielding a call from his ex-partner Evelyn (Claire Sabatine), excitedly assuming she has called to reconnect officially. However, upon meeting her in person per her request, Henry’s gleeful anticipation is instantly deflated when Evelyn informs him that she is pregnant Well…he’s not as deflated as he should be, actually.
Heated, misogynistically dogmatic contention around Evelyn’s decision to get an abortion is seemingly the central focus of Two Lines, but, in reality, the abortion and the arguments over it serve as a vessel for examining the fragility of our confidences and resolutions, and the consequent impact on relationships. Henry, despite being the one who “let Evelyn go” is doggedly fixated he and Evelyn being destined for one another, and believes having a baby could be the thing to bring them together. Evelyn, understandably, has serious aversion to his insistences.
The gifted cast and crew of Two Lines
For all the moments that Two Lines dangerously veers into the realm of problematic Juno-feminism, which frames a woman’s choice/bodily autonomy in relation to her valuation of a relationship with a man or external patriarchal pressures, Two Lines redeems itself by thoroughly examining the breadth of complex emotions driving the two protagonists without compromising or diminishing Evelyn’s agency. Notably, Henry’s mental state is that which is most closely examined, and not necessarily in a way that prioritizes his perspective and experience over Evelyn’s. We see Henry grapple with the vicissitudes of his mood and stability relative to his depression, we see him seek out help, and we see the vulnerability and ruthless insecurity that triggers his controlling/problematic behaviors. This is somewhat remarkable in that inverts the gendered tropes that riddle stories about abortion and pregnancy: Henry is the one that wants to use the baby as a way of getting back into a relationship. Moreover, we never see Evelyn vilipended for her desire to terminate the pregnancy (except by Henry), but Henry’s stability and competency are scrutinized and explored throughout. It is a refreshing and well-executed change of pace. Kris Chandler is charmingly adroit in his performance as Henry, authentically portraying the range of emotions and impulses that make him at once a kind-hearted, caring person, and self-destructive and toxic. As Evelyn, Clair Sabatine wonderfully embodies the role of a woman engulfed in a confusing situation. She is as resolute as she is vulnerable.
Lola Hughes writing is as nimble and thoughtful as her directorial sensibilities, as her play impressively packages a myriad of unique relationships, tumultuous feelings and interactions, and a rich plot into a tidy 35ish minutes. Staged in the cozy Artisan Café, the players cleverly and expertly utilize the space and minimalist props to an enjoyable effect.
Two Lines is poignantly real, and unyieldingly tells a familiar story with a fresh perspective, intuitive touch, and earnest spirit. It is not to be missed in your Fringe experience.
For more information on Two Lines and the 2019 Fringe Festival, visit their site.
Eva Phillips is celebrating her third year in Pittsburgh, third year writing for PGH in the Round, and twenty-seventh year not getting murdered (shockingly, despite all odds). She relocated to the brittle Steel City from Virginia to pursue her Masters in Literary and Cultural Studies at CMU (with a concentration in film theory and film criticism, and intersections with feminism and gender), and has spent the past few years in Pittsburgh cultivating her writing career, developing her blog https://www.tuesgayswithmorrie69.net/, raising two show cats, and widening her perspectives on the ever-evolving spectrum of theatre. She only has one Les Miserables tattoo out of her 32 tattoos, and she finds that morally reprehensible.
Categories: Archived Reviews