Theatre Review: FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steep Theatre’s Chicago premiere, FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION. Plus, two other recommendations.

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“First love, it does feel revolutionary, everything is on the table, everything matters. And yet at the same time, you tend not to listen to those things that have grounded you, that have kept you safe as you try to grow into being a not-yet-quite grown up, whether you’re a fox or a human.” - Kerry Reid talking about the two characters at the center of FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION.

Described as a love story between two outsiders, FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION originally debuted in London in 2015 and is now getting its Chicago premiere with a new production at Steep Theatre. This play about young love comes from Australian playwright Rita Kalnejais.

In this case the “outsider love story” involves a relationship between a 14-year-old boy and a fox. Director Devon de Mayo says in her director’s statement that FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION demands its audience take a leap of faith with the artists on stage to “imagine humans as animals”.

Both Kerry and Jonathan recommend Steep Theatre’s production of FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION. It continues through May 25.

The Dueling Critics also have individual picks:

Jonathan recommends City Lit Theater’s TWO DAYS IN COURT: A DOUBLE-HEADER OF CLASSIC ONE ACTS.

Kerry’s pick is Broken Nose Theatre’s production of LANGUAGE ROOMS.