The Intriguing Duality of "Middletown"

Out of the many ideas and themes throughout the production, one of the most prominent and central themes “Middletown” explores is duality. 

Even in the very beginning of the play, when the narrator greets the audience, duality is mentioned with every word as he addresses opposing groups of people who could possibly be seeing the show (For example: Ladies, gentlemen. Lovers, haters). Aesthetically, the show also encompasses this dual concept. A projector screen is occasionally used as part of the production, blending both the medium of film and theatre together. Likewise, the two houses used on the far left and right sides of the stage have a dual purpose: for most of the performance, they act as mere houses in the background inhabited by John Dodge and Mrs. Swanson. Then, towards the end, their role switches and they adopt the central role of the hospital rooms where both characters are staying. Even the name of the play, “Middletown”, conveys the play’s function as a “middle ground”: a neutral place.

Moving on from the design of the play, the most obvious form of the duality theme is with the production’s diverse cast of characters. You have the lovable, meek Mechanic and the imposing, bold Cop. Self-destructive John Dodge, who eventually brings about death for himself, and Mrs. Swanson, who brings about life for other people and eventually produces life herself in the form of the child she gives birth to. You even have the play and the audience, whose members later interact with the production itself.

Can it get more opposite or more meta than that?