What would any of us do when extreme situations push us far past the boundaries of normal behavior? That is the question explored by William Mastrosimone in his 1982 play “Extremities,” which is the current offering at Stray Dog Theatre.

The action takes place in a remote farmhouse “between Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, where the cornfield meets the highway.” Marjorie is alone when a stranger named Raul strolls into the house. He claims to be looking for someone other than Marjorie and her two roommates.

After assessing Marjorie’s vulnerability, Raul assaults her sexually. He shows no signs of stopping short of rape, but Marjorie remembers that a can of insecticide is in within reach. After blinding him with the spray, she pens him up in the house’s fireplace.

Even after he is confined, Raul continues trying to manipulate Marjorie, suggesting that her story about the rape will not be believed. Raul plays the victim after the return of Marjorie’s roommates, Terry and Patricia. He claims that he was lured into the house and attacked without provocation.

The roommates have tenses exchanges about what to do. Marjorie wants to kill Raul and bury him. Terry and Patricia have other ideas. They cannot simply call the police because Raul had disabled their landline. The action takes place years before cell phones were generally available.

The Stray Dog production is well directed by Gary F. Bell and features a good cast including Claire Coffey as Marjorie, Andrew Woodard as Raul, Lynett Vallejo as Patricia, and Lisa Hinrichs as Terry.

The fine technical work includes costumes by Gary F. Bell, scenic design by Rob Lippert, sound by Justin Been, lighting by Tyler Duenow, and intimacy and combat coordination by Lisa Fischel. For me, however, the production’s admirable qualities do not compensate for the subject matter’s unpleasantness.

“Extremities” continues through August 22 at the Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Avenue.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Stray Dog Theatre
From the left, Andrew Woodard as Raul, Lynett Vallejo as Patricia, and Claire Coffey as Marjorie in “Extremities.”