Ever have a memorable conversation with a stranger? The sort of encounters that happen in a neutral place, sitting on a train or a cross-table cafe chat that begins casually and sort of grows of its own accord? Those I've had always seemed like short stories or the genesis of novels. Maybe one of those was the beginning of Ger Thijs' play "The Kiss". Translated from the original Dutch, where its title is "De Kus", by Paul Evans, Upstream Theater is offering its American premiere.
Two people meet as they walk in the countryside in the south of the Netherlands. The woman – neither of these characters has names – is on her way to an appointment in a town about three hours distant. The man is on holiday during this autumnal period. Sparks begin to fly, and not in a good way.
Eric Dean White is the man, mostly charming and teasing and challenging, and seemingly open. This is fine work from White, teasing us, too, with possible glances at what lies beneath his character's surface. The woman is played by Lisa Tejero, not often seen on St. Louis stages. She's the perfect iron lady, under proper control until cracks begin to appear.
The two begin to walk together intermittently – arguments erupt, but they continue as the layers of who they are begin to be peeled back. Thijs' script carefully weaves the parallel narratives together so well that even when we (think) we know what's going to happen, we're still intent on the stage.
Tightly directed by Kenn McLaughlin, good lighting from Tony Anselmo, and equally relevant sound design from Michael B. Perkins and the group's artistic director, Phillip Boehm, this all adds up to a first-rate evening of theater. Between superb acting and a good script, you can't go wrong.
The Kiss
through October 25
Upstream Theater
Kranzberg Arts Center
501 N. Grand Ave.
314-863-4999