Lovers And Other Strangers

Five comedic yet honest depictions of marriage, sexuality and power struggles in 1970s New York City

Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna's set of five short comedies delve into the lives and strifes of various couples living in New York City during the 1970'. From near strangers who just met at a bar to parents who have reached their 33rd year of marriage; there's likely to be a scenario that resonates with everyone.

The comedies are interwoven by the same cause of conflict that permeates every relationship and every generation alike: gender bias. The male characters unanimously believe that while they require respect, intellectual stimulation and sexual gratification, women simply don't - much like robots don't need food, for example. However, much to the gents' bewilderment, Taylor and Bologna's women are not passive subsidiaries... hence, the conflict!

The play undoubtedly gives a nod to the f word* by gently undermining the warped ideology of female inferiority, yet in making this point, the women are not transformed in to goddesses and the men are not villainous caricatures. Taylor and Bologna create a level playing field (much more fun to watch) in which the characters are equally likeable and flawed and refreshingly human.

*feminism