by Joel Elkins

Trafficking in Broken Hearts takes you to the heyday of 42nd Street of the 1980’s (before then-mayor Giuliani set out to make it more tourist- and family-friendly), back to a time when every other shop was an adult book store, when policemen would stand around while homeless people urinated on the streets and hustlers openly peddled their wares.  It was a time when ordinary citizens were afraid to walk down the street, even if some couldn’t help themselves.  It was the city’s “red light” district and so, naturally, a magnet for gay men.  Suited businessmen snuck out on their lunch hours, and hustlers scrambled to make enough money to pay that night’s rent.  These two forces formed a symbiotic relationship that left both sides feeling momentarily satisfied but ultimately empty inside.

Trafficking focuses on Papo, a seasoned street hustler from Puerto Rico who, against his better judgment, falls for one of his tricks, Brian, an attorney and 26-year-old virgin.  Papo is drawn to Brian’s white, “suit-and-tie” lifestyle, while Brian is struggling between his natural urges and a deep-seated feeling of shame.  Despite the mutual attraction, neither is really comfortable in the other’s world.  Lust and curiosity draw them together while fear and societal pressure pull them apart.  It’s a classic “boy-meets-boy from the other side of the tracks” love story, and the constant tug-of-war is fun to watch.

Thrown into the mix is the tragic character of Bobby, a young runaway whose childhood molestation at the hands of his brothers has left him needy and emotionally stunted.  He immediately clings to Papo, who, despite his cool exterior and attempts at callousness, can’t help but feel for the kid.  The scene where Papo is forced to pimp him out for that day’s rent is tender and heart-wrenching.

At some point, Papo is forced to choose between the two.  On the one hand Brian can offer him respectability and financial stability, but is laden with self-loathing and is obviously embarrassed to be seen with Papo.  On the other hand Bobby offers innocence and unconditional love, but not much else.

The cast members are all talented and physically fit the part.  Ramon Camacho is terrific as Papo, although his tender side was more believable than his rough, rugged persona.  And if he’s not Puerto Rican, he could easily pass.  Stephen Twardokus portrays the internal struggles of Brian, who, from an early age, has chosen to closet himself as a way of coping with the self-reproach he internalized from his family and society.  And Elijah Trichon really embodies the naivete and neediness of Bobby, the extent of which is a tragic testament to the trauma of his childhood.

Efrain Shunior directs and makes some innovative choices.  For example, the play never actually starts.  As the audience walks in, the performers are already on stage, separately going about their day-to-day lives.  This attempt to set the mood from the outset is clever although not entirely successful.  In addition, only the three main characters are portrayed by cast members.  Everyone else is represented by a spotlight and/or offstage voices.  If there was significance to this technique (other than maintaining focus on the main characters), it escaped me.

The set by Marika Stephens is clean and utilitarian.  A large scaffolding serves as a frame for each of the smaller scenes, with the main stage both serving as the setting for the street scenes and converting easily to Brian’s apartment.

Warning: Trafficking is not for the squeamish, prudish or homophobic.  It is unabashed and unadulterated, erotic, raunchy, and sexually charged.  There are scenes of simulated sex and full frontal nudity, and beware of falling f-bombs.

Trafficking in Broken Hearts is performed Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through June 28, 2009

The Celebration Theatre is located at 7051 Santa Monica Blvd., just east of La Brea

Ticket prices: $20.00

(5/31/09 - We had incorrectly listed ticket prices and show times.  We apologize profusely for the confusion!)

Reservations online at www.celebrationtheatre.com or by phone at (323) 957-1884