Orphans

The two orphans live, or rather exist, in a barren house in the poorer section of Philadelphia where the relationship of the brothers is challenging to not only them but also to the audience. The younger of them, Phillip, is sensitive and reclusive and never ventures out of the house. His mental state is doubtful. His life is dominated by the older brother, Treat, who buys him tins of tuna for meals, and is violently domineering while developing his skills as a picket pocket and thief. It is when Treat brings home a drunken businessman, Harold, that he has kidnapped, tied up and plans to rob that things begin to change. Harold is, in fact, a rather dubious businessman but he does recognize the problems of the orphans and begins to act as the missing father for the young men. What ensues? You need to see this for yourself.

Director Aaron Evans has cast the three roles very well and then used this casting to the best possible effect. The movement, pace, inter-action and sensitivity are all there. This is a good, balanced production that kept the audience absorbed. Jon Darbro was Harold – and I mean was. He was the ruthless “business” man and the sensitive caring developing father-figure. A very good performance.

In many ways, his performance was matched by Stef Gimanez as Phillip, as he displayed the initial character and his development under the guidance of Harold .  The older brother and boss was Treat, who was played by the other strong member of this cast of three, Matthew Hamlin. A little more variation may have helped here.

The performance kept me absorbed and intrigued as I am sure it would with you. This was not a play I knew but it has given me a new perspective on several aspects of life. Well done to all involved. I strongly recommend it to you.

William Davies