Plain Speaking
This one-woman show
starring Margie Boule’ as Governor of Texas, Ann Richards (1990-94), written by
Holland Taylor and directed and designed by Donald Horn, is playing at their
space, 1785 NE Sandy Blvd. (Free parking lot, W. of the bldg.), through
September 23rd. For more
information, go to their site at www.trianglepro.org or call 503-239-5919.
“Where have all the
flowers gone…gone, long time passing…when will they ever learn…when will they,
ever learn?!” An anthem, perhaps, for
all the mavericks in the world, like Ann, and the honorable, late, John McCain,
who descend like a whirlwind onto our little planet, left an indelible mark,
then are gone too soon. It is not just
the loss of them that is tragic, but the fact that their noble impact to make
this world a better place, has, or will, fade with time. It is good to do good but only if it
lasts. Unfortunately, Time has taught
us, it does not.
Ann (Boule’) cared about people, all people of
all races and beliefs, as she was schooled with those innocents who, until they
are “carefully taught” otherwise, do see each other as equals. She grew up with a strong, loving father and
mother, who taught her she could do anything and be anyone she wanted. So, she married her high-school sweetheart,
David (a Civil Rights lawyer), had four kids (all of which, as adults, deal
with the public now) and herself became County Commissioner, then Governor of
Texas (the first female elected to the office) for one term.
While in office, she
did a great deal for women’s rights, prison reform, education, the economy, gun
control, etc. But she was also faced
with an oft-times, inept staff and bureaucracy, as we see in the play, as we
are invited to spend one day in the office of the Governor and the insanity
that encompasses it, except for the voice of her Secretary (Kelsey Bentz),
which seems to be the only sound of sanity that invades this chaos.
Perhaps, in my
opinion, her most lasting contributions were her ability to speak plainly, sans
political jargon, and restore a “We the People…” concept, from the
Constitution, to the way government operates, and to work with the common
folk. This lesson, unfortunately, is
sorely missing from our current administration and now, without McCain, from
Congress, as well (just a thought, but I think she and McCain would have made
one hell-of-a team in the White House), what happens next? Where are all those off-springs of these
mavericks to lead us now. Some hope is
emerging with the Youth who voiced their opinions strongly against gun-violence
in the schools, and the current MeToo Movement.
We can only hope the batons from Ann and John will be passed to some of
them.
This play is
remarkably in touch with the current political and social climate now. And Horn has, once again, brought us a piece
that educates us, challenges us, as well as entertains us…long may he
reign! And Boule’ is, once again, a
force of nature on the stage, one that is unbeatable when treading the boards. She immerses herself so fully into the
persona of the role that the appearance of the real character
seems to pale by comparison…and that’s one amazing feat!
In fact, she was so
transformed that in the party afterwards, while chatting with Don, I asked if
she was going to make an appearance. He
directed my attention to the fact that she had been standing near us with
another group of people for several minutes…boy, was I embarrassed, as I had
actually met her several times. But that’s
the power of an Artist like Boule’.
I highly recommend
this play, especially for the artistry of Boule’. If you do choose to see it, please tell them
Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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