Lehigh Valley Stage

Between The Lines Studio Theatre presents a harrowing production of Edward Albee’s controversial play “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” through March 11 at the group’s theater at 725 N. 15th St., Allentown

The play’s unsettling subject matter is raw and at times difficult to watch as Albee examines the most scandalous social taboos and how people react to them. “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” was written in 2000 and won the Tony Award for Best Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and was a finalist for the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

In the story, Martin is a successful architect who has just turned 50 and is at the peak of his game. His life is thrown into turmoil when he reveals to his best friend he has fallen in love with a goat named Sylvia. The shocking revelation leaves Martin’s perfect family life in tatters as his loving wife Stevie and gay teenage son Billy struggle to come to term with his actions. 

Eric D. Hersh is the seriously conflicted Martin. Although Martin is the one who breaks one of the biggest taboos, Hersh makes the character sympathetic as he struggles to grapple with the reactions of all those around him. Early on, Martin is distracted and confused but as the source of his disorientation comes to light, he displays a surprising inner strength and compassionate directness as he tries to repair the damage he has done to his wife and son.

Rachel Williams brings a fierce and ragged passion to Martin’s wife Stevie. In the beginning she portrays an amiable domesticity, but as the play progresses, she descends into an incredulous rage, ultimately destroying pottery and upturning furniture, honing her fury with a laser-like focus. Her final act of revenge is truly shocking.

Joshua Schwirtz lays it all out as the couple’s sensitive son Billy. His agony and confusion shows clearly on his face as he struggles to come to terms with his father’s deed while acknowledging that his parents have been good parents to him and that he still loves his father even after he has destroyed his family.

Justin Larson is Martin’s friend Ross who sends a letter to Stevie informing her of Martin’s indiscretion. Although he is the one who purportedly takes the moral high road, Larson makes the character self righteous and apologetically judgmental even after seeing the chaos into which his words have plunged the family.

Jason Roth’s direction is direct and compelling.

Although challenging material, “The Goat” makes for an intense and provocative evening of theater.

This production is recommended for mature audiences due to language and the subject matter.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. March 10-11; and 2 p.m. March 6,

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

For information, go to betweenthelinestheatre.com.