Love is for Superbeasts: A Look into the Psychopathic Mind

The show opens with two people in handcuffs and mouth restraining masks walking on stage. From their interaction with the audience, it becomes apparent that the audience is a research panel studying the two prisoners. The pair turn out to be a couple: two psychopathic killers Dorian (played by Daniel Meron) and Eleanor (played by Mily Mumford). 

The two discuss, through a series of anecdotes and personal interactions, the dynamic that exists between the couple and how they came to this point, having committed multiple murders together. Eventually their conversations bring them to some difficult points within their relationship. Dorian admits to having killed someone without Eleanor, which is apparently upsetting to her in the same way as cheating on her would be. An intriguing concept to be sure. But the really heated drama is about who triggered Eleanor to begin killing. She maintains it was a former boyfriend who was apparently very abusive. Dorian hates that it wasn't him, feeling that he wasn't an important part of her life: "Instead of being the big bang, I was the 90's."

The whole script is well-written, packed with witty, macabre, and intriguing dialogue. Mumford's background in biopsychology (in which she has a bachelor's degree - hooray!) is readily apparent in the production and her portrayal of Eleanor (who is also a neuroscientist). Mumford also happens to be the author of Love is for Superbeasts, and it appears to be very much her baby and quite personal to her interests.

Personally, however, I found it difficult to understand her exact purpose in creating this show. I don't have any background in psychology, so pardon my errant speculation. The portrayal of psychopathy within the production does not seem entirely faithful. Now I may just be wrong, but they seem too energetic and skillful to be real people. They seem more CSI-esque. It's hard to tell whether it was meant to be dramatic or philosophical or expository or just humorous. At any rate it was entertaining.

The acting was very impressive, especially on Meron's end. He actually threw a tray at us at one point. (don't worry, it hit the wall and no one was hurt). 

If you're fascinated by serial killers and the macabre then I would recommend this play.

However, I think it would benefit from a longer running time and more fleshing out of the topics discussed.

By the way, I really enjoyed the ending, it was a good send-off into the dark, chilly night air.