'Bareback Ink' at Iron Crow

There are three groups of theatergoers who will particularly enjoy the Iron Crow Theatre Company’s production of Bareback Ink: aficionados of Greek mythology, gay men, and folks who appreciate a well-directed production with stellar acting performances—or any combination of these.  However, if you are not in the first group, you may not comprehend the symbolism contained in the play, which could mitigate to some extent any enjoyment derived from being in the other two groups.

Tanner Medding as Canvas (L.) gets "inked"
by Steve Satta as Artist
Photo: Daniel Ettinger

In true Iron Crow form, the production takes an unconventional script with edgy themes and sexuality infused throughout.  Being the only queer theatre company in Baltimore, Iron Crow has consistently produced plays featuring a gay angle with some containing a good dose of homoeroticism.  This production follows that model.

Bareback Ink, a play written by Bob Bartlett that appeared at the Capitol Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe in 2012, is loosely based on the Greek mythological characters Zeus, Ganymede and Hephaestus.  The all-powerful Zeus abducted the beautiful and youthful Trojan Ganymede to be his lover, controlling and raping the lad.  Hephaestus, the god of fire, especially the blacksmith’s fire, was the patron of all craftsmen.

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.