*** Recommended I have real mixed feelings about Ironbound, the first production of Raven Theatre’s season. It was dark, dystopian and very intense, but really confusing. The story jumped back and forth in time leaving me wondering when was this, who is that person and why was he there. Darja (Lucy Carapetyan), the central character, is abrasive, aggressive and angry, making it difficult to empathize with her. The cast was spot on, however, especially Carapetyan who never left the stage! 3 Spotlights
Darja, who was born in Poland, lives somewhere in New Jersey. She had a good job at a factory, until it shut down. She’s been married twice, both ending in divorce, so she’s mistrustful and demanding. She often goes to the run-down bus stop across from the factory. When asked why, she says it’s what she does.
Her first husband Maks (Nate Santana) was a musician. Young love didn’t last long, however. He was busy chasing his dream while she was worrying about paying the rent. Her pregnancy doomed the marriage. He moved to Chicago, she stayed in New Jersey.
One cold night she went to the bus stop in desperation. She didn’t know where else to go since she was bruised and battered by her second husband and didn’t have any money. She tried to sleep on the bench, then spread some cardboard on the sidewalk and laid down. Vic (Glenn Obrero), a prep school student by day, gay escort by night, tried to help her, ending up giving her money.
Apparently Darja lives with Tommy (Richie Villafuerte), a post office employee. She’s upset because her son is in some kind of trouble. She insists that Tommy must buy her a car because she needs go help her son. Although Tommy seems to love her, her affection for him is conditional, dependent on whether he gives her whatever she needs that day.
Ironbound was written by Martyna Majok in 2014. It’s autobiographical in that Majok was born in Poland, emigrated to the United States with her mother, and settled in New Jersey. Ironbound was her breakthrough play. Raven’s production, a Chicago premiere, was directed by Georgette Verdin.
Ironbound runs through October 27th on the Johnson Stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago. Limited parking is available in Raven’s lot, but street parking is also available. Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $45. FYI www.raventheatre.com.