REVIEW: The Body of Mary: A Play in Three Acts (Of God)

Three stories where good and evil are clearly defined

Molly Serenduke

Three independent stories all revolving around men controlling women's bodies makes up the foundation for Katie Cappiello's The Body of Mary: A Play in Three Acts (Of God). Playing at the Gym at Judson, a lovely theater just off Washington Square Park, this play is a real kick in the teeth to Catholicism and the patriarchy. 

The play certainly grabs your attention. I found Tracy Sallows' performance particularly compelling within a strong cast, and I also found the second act, which stars Sallows, brought me in the closest. This scene builds to moments that crackle. I almost wish the entire 90 minutes revolved around this story.

There's real rage behind this piece. It's designed in a very slick and precise manner by Cappiello. You know that girl you played basketball with who threw elbows but was still really good? This play is kind of like that. Cappiello has really interesting and often scathing takes on patriarchy, religion, and the right to choose, but it can sometimes feel more didactic than is necessary. The piece really throws a tantrum, and the subject matter tackled is certainly worthy of throwing a tantrum over, but some of the elements don't work as well as others.

Because the three acts are basically three separate vignettes, it’s difficult to connect with any one story or get invested in any one character for too long; what's relied on heavily here is that the ideas being presented are the heart and soul of the show. The ideas are compelling and again, they're worthy of being so irate over, but the cartoonish satire feels disjointed.

The play is clever and slick and loud, but in totality, it feels like a few quality starts that don't quite reach fruition. Nevertheless, it's a worthy watch.