Exploring Relationships and Identity in "Below the Treeline"
A Review: The Depths of Love, Art, and Social Dynamics
Exploring Relationships and Identity in "Below the Treeline"
In the realm of contemporary theater, few productions navigate the intricate web of personal relationships with the depth and nuance found in Below the Treeline. This compelling drama pulls the audience into a tale marked by a love triangle, but stretches beyond mere romance, using its characters to probe into larger societal questions about identity, perception, and storytelling.
A Story of Layers
On its surface, Below the Treeline presents a story about a fleeting one-night affair between Beatrice, an aspiring writer, and Ed, a fellow student who transforms their encounter into a viral sensation. This seemingly simple premise serves as a springboard for deeper explorations of how we perceive ourselves and each other.
Beatrice’s friendship with Avery—a character harboring unspoken feelings for her—adds complexity to the narrative. This love triangle resonates with anyone who has experienced the intricacies of friendships and attraction, showcasing how personal experiences can intertwine with broader themes of self-identity.
Unpacking the Character Dynamics
At the heart of the drama are the relationships themselves, exploring how they can be both beautiful and painful. The portrayal of Beatrice, especially through Caroline Kriesen’s passionate performance, brings a sense of vitality to the stage. However, the story also delves into the notion of perception—how Beatrice, a woman of mixed-race heritage, navigates her relationships with Ed and Avery, two privileged white men.
The play cleverly weaves in social issues such as racial justice and gender equality, transforming the characters into representations of these larger conflicts. While this thematic depth enriches the story, it risks rendering the individuals less relatable, as they often feel less like people and more like archetypes addressing societal problems.
Dialogue and Characterization
The dialogue throughout Below the Treeline is anything but naturalistic. Instead, characters engage in passionate yet calculated exchanges, acting as vessels for broader social commentary. While this strategy effectively raises important questions about identity and storytelling, it can detract from the emotional realism expected in personal interactions.
Particularly towards the end, some melodramatic revelations about the characters hinder their authenticity. Unforeseen twists, rather than feeling organic, disrupt the narrative flow, making it challenging for the audience to connect with them on a personal level.
The Cinematic Influence
The influence of film on the script is palpable, with several key scenes described rather than performed. This choice has mixed results; while cinematic storytelling offers a rich narrative texture, it loses the immediacy and emotional impact that live theater typically delivers. Significant moments happen offstage and are only recounted, leaving the audience yearning for a more immersive experience.
Conclusion: A Powerful Examination of Storytelling
Ultimately, Below the Treeline stands as a powerful exploration of the stories we tell—both to ourselves and to one another. It captures the essence of how we want to be perceived and how we fit into the narratives constructed by society. While the production raises vital and engaging questions, it falters in fully realizing its characters as relatable individuals. Instead, they exist as mirrors reflecting broader social issues, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of human relationships in a world where personal narratives often intersect with higher ideals.
As the curtain falls and the show draws to a close at The Space, Below the Treeline leaves a lasting impression—a reminder of the intertwined nature of our stories and identities.
Writer: Caroline Kriesen
Director/Producer: Esalan Gates
Stage Direction: Tali Nishihara Jones
Produced by Codex Theatre