There is nothing neat or tidy about David Harrower’s 2005 drama “Blackbird.” From the moment you step inside Actors Bridge Studio — its tiny stage littered with all sorts of debris — you know it’s going to be messy. And once you meet the principal characters — both broken in their own way — you’ll understand why.
Ray is 56, and Una is 27. We soon learn that they had a brief sexual relationship 15 years ago — when Una was just 12. Since his release from prison, Ray has carved out a new life, moving to a new city and changing his name. Now, Una has tracked him down at his workplace, cornering him in a tattered break room. But what does she want? An explanation, an apology? Or something more?
For the next 70 minutes or so, Una and Ray spar with an uncompromising blend of rage, guilt and misery. There’s a marvelous ebb and flow to the tension, complete with awkward pauses, occasional interruptions and well-timed bursts of action.
There’s a not-so-subtle shift of power that’s reminiscent of David Mamet’s “Oleanna.” And, indeed, Harrower seems to borrow heavily from the Mamet playbook, with Una and Ray’s razor-sharp exchanges peppered with exasperated repetition and overlapping, half sentences.
But Harrower’s skill as a playwright is obvious. (“Blackbird” won the Laurence Olivier Award for best new play in 2007.) And in the play’s final crushing moments, we are left with nothing resolved, and yet feeling oddly satisfied.
It’s a challenging piece for both actors and audience. But Jessika Malone’s intelligent staging, enhanced by Mitch Massaro’s technical direction, keeps us riveted. And in Christopher Strand and Britt Byrd, we find a pair of compelling — though rather disturbing — performances.
Strand starts out on the defensive, playing Ray with a jumbled mix of nervous tics and guilty acknowledgements. At first, it’s hard to imagine this man holding any influence over Una, no matter what her age. But as Ray gains confidence, so does Strand, and the results are devastating.
Byrd, one the other hand, is a powerhouse from the word go. She crashes onto the stage like a wounded animal, her expressive eyes revealing every bit of fury and sorrow that her character has endured. But Una is more complicated than that, and Byrd offers a mesmerizing dance of self-deception that you won’t soon forget.
Dark and often devastating, this “Blackbird” is certainly not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to make the journey, it’s guaranteed to keep you talking long after the lights come up.
If you go
What: Actors Bridge Ensemble presents the Nashville premiere of “Blackbird”
When: Through June 15. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays
Where: Actors Bridge Studio at LeQuire Gallery Building, 4304-F Charlotte Ave. (entrance in rear of building)
Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door