★★★
Spencer Waldner’s solo play promises much. It’s a confessional, an expose of man who became unable to conceal any truth after contracting COVID-19. Spencer addresses us in the opening scene, asking us to be his jury, to bear witness.
The play unfolds over a series of sessions Waldner has with his therapist. His performance is cautious, frightened, like a deer in the headlights. Hurriedly noting down the pearls of wisdom the Freud-like figure offers him. He talks of his dreams, and his desires from a young age, for older men. “Seeing my friend’s dad in the kitchen in his tighty-whities”, and the shame around these feelings.
It’s a personal story, and one Waldner sincerely delivers. The natural desire to fancy men older than yourself, seemed to be so out of reach, something his religious family would condemn him for. Yet through the therapy and self-exploration, Spencer frees himself and allows himself to love and desire older men.
There’s something novel about Waldner’s honest production, it seems purposefully quiet and unassuming, like the man himself. But the eggshell delicate monologue often veers into sterility, sometimes losing energy and momentum. Still, it’s a unique and honest piece, and Waldner is an original talent.
DADDY ISSUES is on at Clover Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court until August 29th
