Writers in productions are back with another fantastic night of theatre, this time the night is called, ‘Love Is Strange’ The night consists of Four short plays by each individual writer.  At The creative Wire we get a closer look at each play separately in this four-part special plug-in for Love is Strange, First up is Bob Towers,  The Libido Gap Directed By, Rachel Clarke.

The Libido Gap

In an era where swiping right has become the norm and the definition of a relationship seems ever-evolving,  Bow Towers’ play Will cover the uncomfortable truths surrounding modern dating and relationships. The Libido Gap aims to tackle pressing issues such as the rising number of individuals remaining single, the challenges of finding romantic partners, and the struggle of maintaining a long-term relationships in today's culture.

Bob, saw an opportunity to bring these crucial yet often overlooked topics in an artistic way by creating a play around these topics to an audience.

"I've not seen any theatre plays covering these topics, so I see this as a rich source of drama," Bob explains. With more people than ever before remaining single, fewer engaging in sexual activity, and an increasing number of women choosing to remain childless, the need to address the current dating crisis has never been more urgent.

The Libido Gap explores uncomfortable themes related to dating and relationships and bringing it within the drama and it covers controversial topics.  As Bob explains,

“I am using the medium of drama to explore some very uncomfortable themes such as the growing gaps between men and women (socially, economically, psychologically, intellectually), the pitfalls of online dating, slut shaming, intrasexual competition, pornography, Only Fans, 'simping', the impact of the #MeToo movement and many more. The play explores these themes through the thoughts, feelings and fears of male and female protagonists so that the audience can compare and contrast their perceptions.”

One striking aspect of "The Libido Gap" is its narrative choice, Neither character speaks to the other with the actors addressing the audience directly.

“Neither of the characters address the other directly and this demonstrates the alienation on these issues of men from women and women from men. The difference in experience and perspective and the gap that we have, somehow, got to bridge. Hence the title.”

Bob added,

“The play largely focuses on the current mating and dating crisis faced by Gen Z (ages 12 to 27) and Millennials (ages 28 to 43) as they are at the front line of the crisis as I want these age groups to engage with the issues and older age groups to better understand the issues. It is purposefully hard hitting and controversial as I want to provoke people into thinking. But drama gives us a vehicle to avoid being preachy and instead explore through the safety of humour and empathy.”

Rachel Clarke, the director of "The Libido Gap," shares her thoughts of the play.

“Bob's an incredible writer, so I knew even before I'd read the script that I was going to enjoy it. 'The Libido Gap' looks at important issues we're facing in society at the moment, so when I was offered the opportunity to direct it, I jumped at it! It has moments of humour but is also quite thought-provoking, so it’s been important for me to get that balance between the two.

As the director, I think it’s also important to focus on movement just as much as the dialogue. The past few weeks I’ve been looking at how we can tell the story through the body language and actions of the characters, to reinforce the things that they’re saying or feeling.

Rehearsals have been great so far, and I'm really enjoying working with Nina Price and Paddy Wailey-Hammett; they're both super talented and really bring the characters to life.”

Writers Inc productions ‘Love Is Strange’ which will be showcased over two nights in April on the 19th and 20th at the Hope Street Theatre.

Covered by, Amy Brennan