The actors in the boxing drama “The Opponent” don’t pull their punches — which can’t be said of the slack play itself.
For nearly two hours, Guy Van Swearingen and Kamal Angelo Bolden dance around each other, trading blows and gritty lines on the ring that’s been erected in 59E59’s smallest theater. You’re close enough to smell the sweat.
A former boxer, the middle-aged Tre (Van Swearingen) is now guiding young fighters like Donell (Bolden) at his grotty gym. This is a place for also-rans, not champions, but, just before a key bout, Donell clings to his dream.
As Tre makes him run through combinations, the two chat about life, boxing and getting your shot, all the while dodging, parrying, hitting. You feel breathless just looking at them — especially since they never stop talking. The actors’ kinetic commitment, under Karen Kessler’s direction, helps camouflage the lack of drama in Brett Neveu’s script.
When the men reconnect in Act 2, five years later, they’re the worse for wear. Tre looks physically and mentally shaky, while Donell is stuck on the regional circuit, battling a lingering injury and barely able to scrape up $30 for a training session with his old mentor.
Eventually, the play reaches the type of salt-of-the-earth, bittersweet conclusion that always ends boxing dramas. Can we at least shake things up and have a show about mixed martial arts next time?