Looking Beyond the Horizon: Bros Before Hoes

Upon entering the Irish Repertory Theatre the intimate setting and calm background eased the audience into their seats. As the lights dimmed and the play began the boyishly handsome Rob opened the small stage with a monologue. He spoke so hopeful for a future and freedom abiding his uncle, Captain Dick Scott to explore the open ocean. The appropriately titled off Broadway play, Beyond the Horizon reminded me to take every opportunity to get off the farm.

Originally written by Eugene O’Neill, the play was successfully directed by Ciarán O’Reilly. The story reflects the early 20^th century theme of repressed freedom for the sake of duty and love. The story began in 1907 with the Mayo family on their farm in rural Massachusetts. From beginning to end the protagonist character of Robert Mayo, played by New York actor Lucas Hall, drastically transformed yet remained sanguine about what lay beyond the confinements of his farm life.

The first act set the setting with Robby’s bright potential plan for adventure and escape thanks to his uncle, Captain Dick Scott played by John Thomas Waite. Immediately after announcing his aspirations to liberate himself the wishy-washy love interest, Ruth Atkins played by Wrenn Schmidt, sways Rob to stay behind and marry her instead. A stereotypical woman.

The elder Mayo son, Andrew played by Rod Brogan, was secretly heartbroken that Ruth chose his brother and out of spite replaced Rob on his uncle’s ship. His parents James and Kate Mayo, played by David Sitler and Johanna Leister, rejected Andrew for leaving since he was the better farmer and they wanted him to marry Ruth. In absolute fury James disowns his son, telling him to never return. With the dimming lights I had chills.

The final scene in the first act is four years into the future to the melancholy summer of 1911. In the time elapsed Daddy Mayo died an acrimonious death. The farm was suffering from the now pitiful Rob, whose fateful mistake in marriage left him slowly dying from unhappiness. The only solace from is his nagging life was his adorable daughter Mary who was angelically played by Aimée Laurence. In the mean time delusional Ruth fantasizes about leaving Rob for Andy when he returns from the sea.

A refreshed Andy opens the second act the following day on the farm describing his time spent as a “dog’s life being on a ship”. Andy spoke of a job offer in the remarkable far away place of Buenos Aires. With much enthusiasm and encouragement, Rob displayed his brotherly love regardless the past. Andy also had a moment to put Ruth’s misapprehension to rest, saying he only saw her as a sister. He knows its bros before hoes.

The Mayo family is doomed throughout the second act as if there is no longer any chance for any change, except for the worse. The second scene begins in October of 1916 with the hapless acknowledgement that in the duration Rob and Ruth’s daughter Mary has died. Because of this Rob is rapidly decaying, both mentally and physically. In his sweet half dead state he still continued to fantasize about the future. But the only way out was to die.

The final scene is emotionally mixed with Ruth’s impudence for her dying husband and Andy’s regret for leaving his family and farm to rot. In a pitiful final wish, Rob asked for Andy to marry Ruth that she selfishly refused without care of question. In his inspiring final moments Rob sees the light through death, as it is the only thing that can take him beyond the horizon. “It isn’t the end it’s a free beginning.”

When the play ended and the actors took their bow, I still wanted to slap Ruth. The audience of senior citizens and college students roared with applause and adoration. The play left a carpe diem impression to seize an opportunity rather and remain optimistic no matter how miserable your situation may be. And to also never get married.