I’ve never quite seen something like this before
While lovers used to pen lengthy love letters to one another in days past, those of us dating in the 21st century are stuck with texting. How much does that affect the poetry of romance – or can some people still find it? Eli Zuzovksky’s Long Distance answers with a beautiful ‘yes’.
Lewis Merrylees and Jonathan Rubin play our lovers – but at the beginning; they aren’t lovers at all. SImply acquaintances – Rubin accidentally texts Merrylees something that was about him, but not meant for him – and we’re off. Merrylees and Rubin build a fantastic sense of tension, from the early days of tentative flirting, to late-night political discussions. Rubin brings a great vulnerability to his character, which juxtaposes well to his comedic awkwardness. Merrylees has great instincts, and his character choices feel natural. Paired with stylised blocking – the two don’t actually face or even look at one another for a majority of the piece, and simple but inspired tech elements means I left feeling that I’ve never quite seen something like this before.
Adding to this feeling was the nice political undertone that doesn’t announce itself too much; its’ very much present, and you don’t often find that in pieces like these. While it adds a brilliant dynamic to the show, the narrative starts to lose pace very close to the end – and once we reach the couple’s uncoupling, I’m not sure I believe the reasoning behind it. Rubin, however, then delivers a gut-punch monologue as Merrylees leaves the space – and the piece finds its poetry again.