The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant.

Best known for its 1972 film incarnation, the Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is a play by Rainer Werner Fassbinder which takes us inside the life of a fashion designer prone to extreme histrionics. Veering between self-obsessed, arrogant, manipulative, unreasonable, sadistic and thoroughly unsympathetic, Petra von Kant spends most of the play's almost-two-hours swinging wildly from proclamations of love to swearing she hates everyone in sight. Upon meeting Karin, a model whom she quickly adopts as a live-in lover, Petra swears she has found someone she can't bear to be without, though it's clear she has no idea what love is and is instead driven by a desire for possession. Karin takes what she wants from the situation then moves on, leaving Petra to descend further into self-pity, sadistic treatment of her maid/companion, and alternately spitting venom and wallowing in drunken misery. This a grim, nihilistic, oppressive piece, lightened only by the occasional bitchy exchange, though viewed in context of the underlying wretchedness experienced by the main characters, it's hard to raise a laugh.

Director Gary Abrahams paces the play well and makes the most of the single set (all scenes take play in Petra's apartment). Luisa Hastings Edge brings plenty of energy and commitment to the role of Petra, Anna May Samson as Karin exudes a burgeoning sexuality that makes Petra's obsession credible, and Nikkie Shields as Petra's fashionista friend Sidonie is suitably high camp. In the role of Marlene, Petra's long-suffering companion, is Joanne Trentini, whose look seemed a deliberate homage to Kathleen Turner in Crimes of Passion, and who never utters a word but communicates a great deal through body language. It's a strong cast and the depressing subject matter is tackled with intelligence and taste. There's nudity, simulated sex and verbal and physical abuse, but nothing seems forced, gratuitous or crass -- rather, it's an honest look into a frequently ugly world, performed and directed with integrity.

Alex Paige