At a raucous party during their freshman year at Princeton, Tom (Joshua Boone) and Amber (Alexandra Socha) connect in ways that seem innocent enough at first. But as things progress, they find themselves in murky territory, with ramifications that could affect the rest of their lives. What actually happened between them? Tackling the highly charged topic of sexual consent, this hit production direct from Williamstown Theatre Festival explores the intersection of gender and race on campus today, offering “a portrait of a generation” (The Boston Globe). This deeply felt, funny and thought-provoking play comes from fast-rising playwright Anna Ziegler (Photograph 51) and is directed by Obie Award winner Lileana Blain-Cruz (Pipeline).

Actually, now playing at the Studio at Stage II at New York City Center, comes at a bleak time in the landscape of sexual politics. This moment is bleak not because things like abuse or rape have been nonexistent until now, but because the world now appears willing to recognize it happens. We’ve chosen to finally see and believe. Our worst fears have been confirmed; that these are not isolated incidents or acts committed by a singular predator that can be made an example of, thereby absolving the broader society. No — these incidents are informed and reinforced by culture and power structures: gender, orientation, race, economic status, etc. It’s obvious, yes, but obvious doesn’t mean it’s dealt with. When I saw Actually, written by Anna Ziegler and directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, I was in the frame of mind that I couldn’t unlock my phone without a disturbing story surfacing, another blow to a confidence in — what is either taught or assumed to be — inherent human goodness. As the play unfolded before me, however, I was struck by its humor (sometimes it was a relief, sometimes it took me out of the moment) and compassion for its two characters, Amber (a competent Alexandra Socha …Read more