There was no elaborate set, props, or eye-catching decorations on the stage of the Snowden auditorium when I took my seat to enjoy Equalogy’s “PlayRights” production of “Four Hearts Changing.” In fact, there was nothing at all, save for four unoccupied chairs obviously plucked from a nearby vacant classroom. The lack of an intricate stage set-up certainly didn’t hinder the four actors in the drama from delivering a realistically forthright performance detailing the all-too-common stages of an abusive relationship.
On entering, each patron received a seven-page pamphlet, a primer on abuse, describing important statistics and myths of dating and domestic violence, types of abuse, and which also covered such specific topics as “Rights in a Relationship,” “How to Help a Friend,” “Why Men Batter/Why Women Stay,” and “Laws.” These topics served as a blueprint for the play about to be performed.
The story of “Four Hearts Changing” was told through the performance of Bill, Heather, Sarah and Nico, or better known by their program billing as Matt, Erika, Lizzie and Brian. The four professional actors, New York theater regulars, filled the roles of the four college students and acted out the early stages of an abusive relationship, how it develops over the course of a few years, and how it can tragically end. They effectively gave different perceptions of verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse through the eyes of a batterer, a victim, and a close friend of each.
Even more remarkable about this particular performance were the question-and-answer session between scenes. Three times the actors interrupted their performance to allow the audience to ask questions of the characters, about their lives and relationship situations, and replied without breaking character. Specific questions such as “What are your plans after college?” and “What was your parents’ relationship like?” revealed the obvious character research on the part of the actors. Questions such as “How do you feel about yourself” and “Do you think your boyfriend will stop being abusive?” showed the deep behavioral research the actors undertook to understand and convey the mindset of a person in an abusive relationship.
Looking around the room during the performance, the audience, some forty people, seemed to be captivated by the actors. The question-and-answer session generated many interesting questions. Everyone left having learned something; perhaps how easily subtle emotional abuse can slowly erode a confident person’s self esteem, or how one can help a friend who is the victim in an abusive relationship. Two students were overheard talking about how enjoyable the performance was, and agreeing that even if their professor not assigned extra credit, they would have gladly attended, anyway.
The production was developed by Equalogy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people on the issues of equality for and abuse against women, and sponsored by the Women’s Center, Student Center and Wellness Center, and is currently on a fourteen state college tour. In addition to “Four Hearts Changing,” Equalogy has also developed a curriculum for middle school students on statutory sexual assault, as well as various workshops and training seminars which provide technical assistance to those working to end violence against women. The four professional actors are holders of graduate degrees in Theater Arts. Reviewer’s rating: two thumbs up!