Subscribe to our RSS feed
“Gruesome Playground Injuries” is an intense night of theatre

“Gruesome Playground Injuries” is an intense night of theatre

Gruesome Playground Injuries is a fast-paced, intense, and darkly comic play by Rajiv Joseph presented at Art House Productions in Jersey City. It tells the story of Kayleen and Doug, two friends whose lives are intertwined through a series of injuries that bring them together. Spanning ages 8 to 38, the play follows their relationship as they navigate life’s challenges, sometimes leaning on each other too much, occasionally causing harm, and often struggling to ask for help.

Its non-chronological structure allows the audience to piece together their attraction while exploring themes of lost love, pain, regret, and how injuries can map a lifetime. Joseph highlights the complexity and messiness of life in the play. It reminds us that it becomes a bit easier with someone by our side in our own lives.

The performers, Ashley Renee-Scott (as Kayleen) and Mario C. Brown (as Doug) were both very adept at the emotional drama — with bits of humor throughout to tell their story. The characters play both their connectedness to each other well, while at the same time having years of disconnection throughout the play.

The smaller black box theater space was a perfect showcase to tell the stories of Kayleen and Doug. The seating on two opposite sides of the stage made for an intimate experience. The sparse setting made use of an elevated backdrop showing a movie montage between scenes with music from the decades. The montage was used sparingly while the actors prepared for the next scene on opposite sides of the stage.

Click here for the full OutInJersey review by Craig Thomas