Jessie Shelton and Jeremy Beck Photo by Todd Cerveris
The newest play presented by the Mint Theater Company is Conflict. Although it was seen in London back in 1925, the play is just now having its New York Premiere. It is a love story that unfolds during a hotly contested election. There are class struggles and new ideas taking root. Additionally, social issues are examined such as the morals and rights of women of their day. Although the piece is from a time period of the previous century, Conflict, has a spirit and flair about it that makes it seem like it is a more contemporary piece. This Mint Theater production has a superb cast and fine staging to bring it to life so it can be enjoyed by an entirely new generation of theater goers.
Written by playwright Miles Malleson, Conflict premiered in London in 1925. Critics praised it with words such as “A skillfully and strongly written piece.” Conflict was adapted for the movies in 1931 with the title The Woman Between. This was later changed to The Woman Decides when an American movie with same title also was released in 1931. Press notes include the following information: The picture was controversial; one critic wondered if British film production could “afford anything quite so offensive to the nation,” while another complained that it was “unnecessarily sexy.”
So how does a play that was “unnecessarily sexy” in 1931 do today? Director Jenn Thompson provides theater goers with an opportunity to see it unfold and decide if it is still “unnecessarily sexy.”
The universality of the problems with some people having money and others not establishes the basis for this play. Not only is it shown in the action, but it also is shown with sets by John McDermott. The wealthy Bellingdon home is well designed and very detailed. There is definitely a sense of affluence in the furnishings, lighting, and art works. There is expensive looking wood is on the walls giving a decidedly masculine feel to the scene. A later scene inside a boarding house where Tom Smith resides is a one room rental decorated much more sparsely. It has a cold feel to it compared to the warmth of the Bellingdon home.
Jessie Shelton and Graeme Malcolm Photo by Todd Cerveris
Conflict opens with The Lady Dare Bellingdon (Jessie Shelton) and Major Sir Ronald Clive (Henry Clarke) relaxing on the couch after an evening out dancing. There is a sense of a light tension between them as Ronald wants to be closer to Dare but she is not willing. As they decide to end their evening, Ronald postpones his trip to his home as they become aware of someone stalking the outside of the house. Lord Bellingdon (Graeme Malcolm) comes down from his bedroom upon hearing some disturbing sounds. Eventually, a very poorly dressed and malnourished looking man breaks in. He is caught trying to steal something. He tells his story and it turns out that he has been following Ronald. They went to college together and as the intruder talks, he identifies himself as Tom Smith (Jeremy Beck).
Smith admits that he has fallen on very hard times since returning from the war (WWI). He has been on a 5 year downward spiral. Unable to sell songs he writes, he is homeless and without resources or a place to live. He begs for money and both men give it to him. He leaves with much gratitude towards them but says “this begging is rotten when you aren’t used to it.”
Jeremy Beck, Jessie Shelton and Henry Clarke Photo by Todd Cerveris
A year passes by and Smith has some success with his life. He has a home (the one rental room mentioned above) and he is a candidate for office with the Labor Party. He runs against his friend Ronald who represents the Conservatives. Lady Dare tells her friend Mrs.Tremayne (Jasmin Walker), that she seeks more of the unknown and something wonderful. She doesn’t want to be bored and obviously she is with Ronald. This sets the stage for her interest in Tom Smith who is very different from the type of man someone of her stature in society would unusually seek out.
Let is suffice to say that her pursuit of Tom Smith turns the play completely around. It also brings into question actions that women can pursue without risking their reputations. But as the action continues, one thing is clear: Lady Dare will do as she pleases. Perhaps the name has a clue to what she does.
Is it a happy ending? That all depends on how you view what the conflict is. There is a lot that takes place particularly in Act III. Viewing the show years after it was written brings home an important point: Some problems never go away. They might be different with the people involved and the trappings life offers. But some struggles keep reappearing. Prepare to be open to all that Conflict has to offer. This is darn good theater.
Running Time: 2:10 with one intermission
Location: The Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd St., New York City
Performances: This show runs now through July 21, 2018. Performance days include Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm, Wednesday: 6/20 & 7/18 at 2:00pm.
Contact for Info and Tickets: At the Theater Row Box Office or through the Mint Theater Website. http://minttheater.org