The Bakehouse Theatre Company’s world premiere production of Melbourne playwright Ron Elisha’s LOVE FIELD makes for engrossing theatre.

Elisha sets his play around a highly charged dramatic situation. It is November 22, 1963, a dark day in American history- the day that President John F Kennedy was assassinated. Later that day, Airforce 1 leaves Love Field airport on its way back to Washington.

Airforce 1 carries the slain body of the President in the Presidential coffin. Also on board are Jackie Kennedy and Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ).

For Jackie, she is facing her worst nightmare. On the other hand, LBJ, who had holding the ceremonial Vice Presidential position, has just had his wildest and biggest dream realised. He has just been inaugurated as the next American President. It’s going to be one helluva ride back to Washington.

Such an emotional, intense play is well suited to being performed in an intimate, chamber theatre venue, such as downstairs at the Tap. Audiences can see every nuance in the performances.

Michael Dean directs well and Lizzie Schebesta and Ben Woods deliver strong, well-orchestrated performances. Schebesta arrives on stage in a blood spattered pink dress.

There are even blood traces/stains on her stockings. A stark, effective statement. LBJ is mixing bourbons and daiquiris, tense and wired, wondering whether he is up to being the President of the most powerful country in the world.

As the plane makes its way to Washington, confidences are revealed. So much is going on, you can’t look away. Both talk about their respective, less than ideal relationships. One of the areas that the play looks at, is how should men and women best treat each other.

Staging was simple and effective as befits a tiny stage. Plane portals against the back wall…simple seating…a hanger for LBJ’s coat…

This was a production full of atmosphere and resonances. Unfortunately, the current season is only a brief one, with LOVE FIELD only playing until this Saturday November 2.  Show runs Wednesday to Saturday.