Kairos, by playwright Lisa Sanaye Dring, is now running at Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Under the capable direction of Rebecca Wear (whose credits include directing the one-man Know-produced show Mongrel during the social distancing years), Kairos explores the story of two people who meet and begin to fall in love as the world is faced with ground-breaking medical advances. These unprecedented alterations force them to quickly figure out how the classic timelines of romance can be navigated in a world new to everyone.
The Production Team
This reviewer would be remiss not to sing playwright Lisa Sanaye Dring’s praises right off the bat. Her writing is smart, funny, poetic, and effective. The conversations feel natural and easy, yet poignant at just the appropriate times. As a performing artist, I would love to be given the chance to bring one of her characters to life. Brava, Lisa – you make the audience experience a great one!
It is no secret I have a favorite lighting designer in this area. We are fortunate enough to see his craftsmanship once again in Kairos. Andrew J. Hungerford brings his usual clear and creative ways of portraying the scenes’ emotional pulse through his lighting choices. He also serves as the Scenic Designer and brings those same sentiments into that design as well. These skills, coupled with the dynamic direction of Rebecca Wear give the story watchability from both an aesthetic and curious point of view. Wear knows exactly how to choreograph movement and smooth pacing.
Also, a shout-out to Intimacy Director Erin Carr. The climate of a two-person show, especially one where those characters go from strangers to romantic partners, relies heavily on trust and realism. This is truly a case where the intimacy direction is not only about physical situations, a common misunderstanding for those who are unfamiliar with what that position entails.
The Performing Artists
Ryan-Chavez Richmond plays the role of David, a classics professor who seems to be the picture of composure. A familiar face to the Know MainStage, Mr. Richmond gives a strong and thoughtful performance as the easy-going half of a couple who faces more than their fair share of change in a very short amount of time – all while trying to balance those changes with the usual phases growing relationships encounter.
Maggie Lou Rader excels as Gina, the not-so-easygoing marketing exec/other half of the relationship which serves as the raconteur of this tale of how science and emotion do not always fit together. Ms. Rader’s stage presence is magical and almost otherworldly. Yet, she masters the raw and true characteristics we as fellow humans understand via either sympathy or empathy. I particularly found Gina to be a kindred spirit in many ways which took me on quite the emotional ride.
The Sweet and Lowdown
It feels like the world is constantly in flux, no matter what age you are at present. Scientific and technological breakthroughs seem to pop up on the daily and we are expectedly to adapt just as quickly. Some who might not adapt as quickly can unfairly be viewed as closed-minded or unwilling – but that is not always the case. Just as evolution has taken time to reach certain milestones, so must our brains and bodies and all that comes with it.
Kairos is an insightful look at changes of all kinds, without being preachy or pushing a particular agenda. Time can certainly fly by, but can we also move too fast in order to try to keep up with it – and what might we miss while trying to do so? (The good news is this show is only 90 mins with no intermission, so you can still keep up with a hectic schedule while contemplating these questions.)
Tickets to Kairos
Kairos by Lisa Sanaye Dring runs now through March 3rd. This National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati can be streamed online or enjoyed live in person by purchasing tickets here.
