Combating the trauma of childhood sexual abuse in “The Opposite of Love” at the Royal Family Performing Arts Space in New York City

Written by Ashley Griffin and starring Griffin and Danny Gardner, NewYorkReps World Premiere of The opposite of loveNow running for a limited time at the Royal Family Performing Arts Space, following developmental readings at ART/New York in 2019 and Theatre Row in 2022, presents a frank exploration of the long-term and traumatic emotional, psychological and social impacts of childhood sexual abuse, which comes with trigger warnings. It contains explicit language and simulated sex acts (without nudity), as well as discussions of assault, non-consensual acts and suicide, and is intended for an adult audience. Nonetheless, it is an important topic, affecting an estimated one in five girls and one in twenty boys according to current statistics (estimated because many incidents go unreported), with 3 in 4 children who have been sexually abused being abused by a family member or close acquaintance.

Griffin’s story centers on Eloise, a rich young woman from a wealthy family who has remained a virgin after being sexually abused by her uncle since she was three. She enlists Will, a down-on-her-luck con man from a very different background, to help her overcome her trauma and prepare her for the intimate romantic relationship she desires as an adult. Under Rachel Klein’s sensitive and thoughtful direction, we see their connection grow from her first awkward and nervous encounter with the smooth and charming Will, becoming more relaxed as they decide to meet weekly for “therapy sessions” in their immaculate, upscale apartment decorated in cool whites and grays (set design by Brendan McCann), getting to know each other, sharing their backgrounds (and parallel experiences), having open conversations, and slowly beginning to touch, kiss, and engage in foreplay until she is finally able to fully engage in sex with him (with expert intimacy direction by Crista Marie Jackson and clever staging by Klein).

Their conversations cover everything from his favorite sex positions and the most sensual moments they’ve ever experienced to classic literature, art, and porn. As they gradually move from water and root beer to real beer and raw food, they play a game of Twister (her reaction when he tells her where he got it is priceless), joke and laugh with each other, she starts to dress more casually and he more sophisticated, she brings a few splashes of color into the apartment, and allows herself to cry openly while letting him hug and comfort her, as part of their ongoing character development and mutual influence.

But will her breakthrough lead to a new, healthy attitude toward sexuality and the potential for love? Will her lifelong trauma manifest in other ways in our consumerist culture? Or will their developing intimacy and bond grow beyond the commodification of sex for money (and in her case, very generous amounts)? It’s a fascinating issue with a surprise ending you don’t see coming, embodied by poignant emotion, insightful psychology, believable mood swings (from pain and vulnerability to sociability and strength, destruction and control) by the outstanding Griffin and Gardner, both of whom reach the heights of intense drama and bring three-dimensional depth and empathy to their roles. The compelling performances and direction are enhanced by Zach Pizza’s lighting, with blackouts between the four acts signaling the passing weeks.

While the content of The opposite of love is clearly intended for an adult audience, the subject of child sexual abuse and its ongoing trauma is of great importance to all ages and should be seen, discussed and stopped. Kudos to Griffin, her brave team and NewYorkRep for bringing it to the stage and bringing more awareness and understanding.

Running time: Approximately 80 minutes, without an intermission.

The opposite of love runs until Saturday, June 15, 2024, at NewYorkRep, performance at Royal Family Performing Arts Space, 145 West 46^th Street, 3^rd Floor, NYC. Tickets (priced at $28.52 for general admission, including fees) are available at on-linePlease note that the theatre is located in a restored, listed building and has stairs but no lift.