WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company presents “The Way It Is,” by Donna Hoke, at Cotuit Center for the Arts’s Black Box Theater May 4-21. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. Jess Wilson directs, assisted by Tony Ferreira of Swansea as stage manager.
“Everybody knows a couple like this--maybe even themselves,” says playwright Donna Hoke. “When the play was produced in London, one couple got engaged after seeing it, and one couple broke up.”
WatermelonAlligator aims to make this a compelling and disturbing production – more similar to their Black Box productions of “Fat Pig” and “Church & State” than their “Miracle on South Division Street” in December. Artistic Director Jess Wilson, who also directs, explains: “One of our guiding vision statements reads, ‘Provocative theatre. Contemporary playwrights. New works. Local talent.’ This production encompasses all of that. We are excited to be producing the New England premiere of “The Way It Is” and hope that it sparks conversations about a darker side of human interaction that we don’t often talk about.”
This is only the second time “The Way It Is” has been produced in the United States, noted Hoke, having been previously produced in Galway (Ireland), London (England), and Charleston, South Carolina.
After eight years, Cane dumps fiancée Yasmine and is ready to propose to someone else -- as soon as he retrieves his mother's engagement ring. Yasmine is ready to give it back, once she gets what she's been promised. In this taut two-hander, Yasmine and Cane face off over the truth of eight years together and arrive at life-changing consequences in “The Way It Is.”
Timeout London wrote, “A brilliant piece of theatre! Edge of the seat stuff, compelling, intense, daring, full-on and real.” Other critics agree, calling it “visceral and unapologetic,” “unsettling and effective,” “powerful and shocking,” “challenging and disturbing,” “riveting,” and “a hell of a performance.”
This piece is intended for mature audiences only. The play contains themes of partner abuse, sexual assault, and gun violence. Audience discretion is advised.
The Way It Is
In the Vivian and Morton Sigel Black Box Theater
May 4-21, 2023
Thu, Fri, Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 2:00pm
All shows in the Black Box will be a part of our new Pick Your Price program.
You decide what your ticket costs, from $10-$50. No other gimmicks, no preferred seating, no special promotions.
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