Berkeley’s Central Works is now showing “Push/Pull,” a taut, one-act performance about two young men at a crossroads who seek solace and meaning in the world of bodybuilding. Although that’s not a subject to which I would usually relate, Harry Davis’s writing, the two exceptionally well-acted performances, and Gary Graves’ direction create a deep emotional engagement.
After a devastating breakup with his girlfriend, followed by a brief stay in a mental health facility, 24-year-old Clark (Andre Amarotico) returns home to the East Bay. He reconnects with Nolan (Matthew Kropschot), a childhood acquaintance. Nolan, who has failed in the Navy and as a bagger at Safeway, is an amateur bodybuilder who is pinning all his hopes on getting his bodybuilding Pro Card. He is dedicated to working out for hours on end in his Dad’s garage gym. The Pro Card is Nolan’s only way out of the garage and his toxic relationship with his father.
Clark, lost, but in therapy, envies Nolan’s “totally jacked” physique. He seeks out Nolan’s bodybuilding expertise and agrees to be Nolan’s competition coach. Lonely and depressed, Clark hopes working on his body will help him find his missing “manliness” and get over the loss of his girlfriend.
But, of course, Nolan is searching, too. As the friends spend more time together, their discussions become intimate and emotional. They ponder what it means to be a man. We don’t usually see young men expressing such personal, private, and honest ideas at the theater (or anywhere else, for that matter). New playwright, 26-year-old Harry Davis’s writing shines with realism, sadness, and truth.
Central Work’s intimate theater brings the audience on top of the action. The garage gym set is lifelike — it’s just sloppy enough. Being so close to the stage enables us to see the two work hard as they strain to lift heavy weights and to appreciate Nolan’s performance of the bodybuilder’s Seven Compulsory poses.
It is said that one’s 20s are often the most challenging decade of life. Many still don’t know themselves or their place in life. “Push/Pull” excels in the story of these two lost 20-something friends trying to find their way. And although we want them to succeed, we fear they may not.
Central Work’s 76th world premiere, “Push/Pull,” runs through November 30, 2025, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at the Berkeley City Club. “Push/Pull” is 75 minutes long, in one act. The theater can seat only about 50 people, so get your tickets early. This production contains sexually explicit themes and language and is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Tickets are $35-45 on Fridays and Saturdays. Friday-Sunday, tickets are at a sliding scale of noon on the show’s day. Full pay-what-you-can (Thursdays). Masks must be worn in the theater for specific performances. For information and tickets, visit http://centralworks.org/
By Emily S. Mendel
emilymendel@gmail.com
©Emily S. Mendel 2025 All Rights Reserved
