Review: “Afterward” with Open Door Playhouse

“Afterward” was written by Karl Miller And directed by Bernadette Armstrong. It’s an audio play that tells the story of a couple (Played by Bonnie Bailey Reed and Gary Lamb) stuck in their house during an unknown natural disaster that is killing one-third of the world population. No one knows what’s going on or how to stop it and the two discuss the phenomenon, their relationship, and their future as the uncertainty closes in and threatens to swallow them whole. What follows is an incredibly packed ten minutes where each word is life and death and each moment feels as if they are fighting for their lives

In a post-covid era, the feelings these two are experiencing are way too real and hit far too close to home in the best way possible. But, “Afterward” did something that, as a viewer, I greatly appreciate. “Afterward” is not directly about covid. It tells the story of another frightening force that is killing a third of the population. The same feelings of doubt, confusion, isolation, and terror are all there but there is enough distance to where we can all experience the work without feeling too close to it. Though, this force is far more terrifying than even covid because they don’t even know what it is. Is it a disease? Is it a living thing? Something in the air? They have no idea. The only thing they can tell is that it seems to be targeting “bad people”. You feel this fear in every word spoken by the main couple. They’re trying to comfort each other while also containing their own unstable emotions and every second of the piece is filled to the brim with that tension.

Another aspect of this play that is expertly woven throughout is just how small town in feels. There’s not a lot of time to discuss much beyond their current situation and yet the way they talk about their neighbors is so reflective of how small-town residents gossip about the day-to-day lives of those around them. Had these two been in a city, it would have felt like a completely different play. The gossipy small-town aspect of the piece allows for these characters to have a brief escape from the outside. But, of course, it doesn’t last long.

The performances by Baily-Reed and Lamb are very well done. This couple has a history. This couple has pain. Pain that has lasted long before this disaster. Every word is loaded and pointed but careful to not set the other off. The actors navigate these waters beautifully all the way up until the heartbreaking end that I won’t spoil here.

“Afterward” took great use of its ten minutes and gave us a brief but powerful conversation between two people already falling apart who have to decide how to move forward as everything else starts to fall apart tool. It may go by fast, but by the end, I challenge you to not start to tear up. Definitely take the time to listen and go on this beautiful and tragic journey.

“Afterward” was written by Karl Miller and directed by Bernadette Armstrong

It features: Bonnie Bailey Reed and Gary Lamb

With sound editing by Hall Cantrell

It was produced by Open Door Playhouse and can be listened to here.