The first time we see Louie Blunt he is learning martial arts at a Dojo. The formality of their practice is evident. The bowing and mutual respect demonstrated before the bout. Contained rage. Measured ferocity. Blows and hitting the floor and finding the will to stand up.
Next we see Jamie, talking with the court ordered therapist, Andrea, regarding his husband Louie’s progress. He is isolating, hostile, rejecting help. Jamie is hurt and frustrated. Andrea tries to walk him through Louie’s predicament, but it’s difficult for him to comprehend his husband’s negative behavior.
Jamie returns home. Louie is gruff and unpleasant. He wants no assistance, though he’s covered with bandages and bruises. The idea that Andrea and Jamie might have been discussing him, enrages Louie. He’s not looking forward to the consultation with their lawyer, and sadly, he has good reason. The court appointed attorney is forthright, and pragmatic, but his insensitivity, impossible to ignore.
Bruce Coleman’s POPT, is a lesson in cunning, intelligent playwriting. There are several red flags from the outset. No one talks about the incident directly, they tiptoe. The hate crime is acted out in the last (or nearly last) scene. Louie seems barraged by the suggestion that fighting back casts him in a bad light. He must be careful of the message he sends to the jury. Each person involved seems baffled that Louie seems combative and defensive. They care, but empathy seems to elude them.
POPT is meticulous. Even the title seems evasive, trivializing. (He was messing with me, so I popped him.) There are aspects of the incident, that feel mitigating, confusing. The attacker’s mother begs Louie to pray with her. Nothing else will resolve this clusterfuck. Her supplications pack a lot of pathos. And punch. All his friends appeal to Louie’s sense of the rational. But what does that mean?
He belongs to a group that will always be at the mercy of toxic alphas. Louie has taken charge of his life. His training has enabled him with strategy, and confidence. (Coleman considers the cultural, solemn dynamic of bout between men.) For the first time, he can vent his intense anger. He can choose not to be helpless. But even those on Louie’s side, miss he’s held to a different standard. He’s exhilarated this motherfucker has paid for his viciousness. His arrogance. But no one gets it.
Please note: POPT has closed.
POPT played From May12th-May 22nd, 2022. MainStage 222, Black Box Theatre, 222 East Irving Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75062. 972-252-2787. mainstageirving.com