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photo by Jody Christopherson
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Mel House & Aaliyah Habeeb
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My cyber Valentine, sweet worldwide Valentine–Luna Stage’s latest production, the world premiere of “Roan @ The Gates,” by Christina Gorman, is going to give you chills—those deep chills that start in the center of your being and vibrate out like ripples from a pebble thrown hard into a stream.
Nat and Roan are the proto couple. Bi-racial and super-active, Nat (Aaliyah Habeeb) is a hard working, brilliant-as-diamonds civil rights attorney, who is a tireless champion for those in need. Roan (Mel House) is a military veteran, who is also a world level investigator of cyber issues for the National Security Agency—how high level we will soon find out, as the story unfolds.
Michelle Tattenbaum’s direction makes this intense one-act-length modern tale, which has no happy ending, come home with vibrant life. Justin and Christopher Swader have given us a set that is as flexible as origami and twice as sere. Deborah Caney’s costumes let us know exactly who Nat and Roan are–clothes maketh the (wo)man–and set and costumes, and combined with Marika Kent’s light design–warm and cool, subtle pools and stark brightness—and Megan Culley’s sound design, we have a post-modern Twlight Zone spinning out before us—except it is the reality of Big Brother all around us, coming between even the closest of lovers.
This is a scary little jewel of a production that leaves you hungry and unsatisfied, yet with a moveable feast for thoughts. It will be difficult to not look over your shoulder on the way out. Be sure to leave enough time for the Context Room before the show and consider the cost of what you do every day. It will be difficult to keep those thoughts out of your head as the memory of Roan and Government linger.
“Roan @ The Gates” runs only through February 24. Tickets are selling out quickly, so for your best chance at the seats and dates you want, visit www.lunastage.org today.
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