In an age when a heart-to-heart with a friend can end up splattered across Facebook or a flippant comment Twittered to the globe, you don't need to be a cynic to think relationships in the modern world require a lot more wariness.
The lead character in 16th Avenue Theatre'slatest play, Some Girl(s) by Neil LaBute, is afflicted with such modern day self indulgence as to not think twice about using his failed relationships as the subject for his magazine articles.
Guy, played superbly by Liam Herlihy, has already written about his past conquests and now he's about to get married uses the excuse to take a cathartic trip down memory lane to right the wrongs he has committed against past girlfriends, never once thinking about anyone but himself.
Guy travels across the United States, from Seattle to Chicago, to Boston to LA, seeking out past girlfriends to make amends.
The women have all moved on but each agrees to meet him in a hotel room to talk about their time together.
Sam, the high school sweetheart played by Nicola van Hout, brings up the heartache of being dumped for another on the eve of her prom.
Tyler, the sexually aggressive boho chick played delightfully by Emma-Mae Eglinton, has buried her hurt deeply.
Lindsay, the man-eating cougar courageously played by Dallas Baker, seeks revenge, while Anna Robinson, as Bobbi the Californian blonde, is left speechless.
The four female characters are strong and convincing and further emphasise Guy's weaknesses and selfish agenda.
Director Merv Beets has assembled a stunning cast for this production. The dialogue is as intense as it is witty, and as there are only ever two actors on stage at any one time a lot of work is required by the cast.
All five actors more than step up to the task, each owning their roles and bringing passion and vitality to the stage.
This play is refreshingly different for 16th Avenue Theatre and well worth braving a cold winter's night to see.
