This rather unusual premise for a story is written by Bess
Wohl and directed by Shawn Lee. It is
playing at their space, 1515 SW Morrison St., through November 4th. For more information, go to their site at www.artistsrep.org
“Noises compete, grasshopper, as silence retreats.” Sometimes silence can be deafening, as it is
in this story. We are so wrapped up in
our worlds of computers, texting, and artificial noises, that we fail to
communicate through a simple hug or smile, or a knowing look of
encouragement. Our world may have been
created with a (Big) Bang and it’s likely it will end the same way. What we have wrought, so shall we reap…unless
we find that Quiet Place, not only on the outer crusts of this planet, but in
the inner stillness of our being.
This play explores Silence in unusual ways. The one who expounds the most, the Teacher
(Mary McDonald-Lewis), really may have the least to impart to her students at
this retreat, all there to take a break from the world and/or find some sort of
peace. The main element to be adhered to
is silence in this EST-type of surroundings.
The verbose, Joan (Susannah Mars) and her lover, the more
refined, Judy (Ayanna Berkshire), seem to be there to work out some personal
issue. The gregarious, Alicia (Kelly
Godell), is a product of words but seems intent on translating them into some
forgotten knowledge that has escaped her to this point. Ned (Darius Pierce) is a socially awkward
individual, trying to find inroads to adapting socially to an unfamiliar world
to him.
Rodney (John San
Nicolas) is a video guru of finding one’s path through yoga, but senses there
is something important he has yet to learn.
And Jan (Michael Mendelson), a quiet person to begin with, but is
reaching out to try and encompass a larger world he is not familiar with. All searchers, and their journeys will
conflict, connect and invade their very psyches before this trip is
completed. More I cannot tell you
without spoiling the discoveries.
This is almost completely a who’s who of the Artists Rep’s
family and a talented ensemble they are as a cast. Godell, as a bit of a flake, is perfect in
her utter unawareness (I know people like her).
Mars is wonderful as a well-meaning friend who acts before she thinks
about it. Berkshire has a noble
stillness to her being, pent up inside but wanting to expand. San Nicolas is perfect as the smirking
know-it-all until the mask begins to fall.
Mendelson is a gem as his character displays a quiet intensity as the
newbie who yearns for understanding and acceptance. McDonald-Lewis is a great voice actor who is
so good you can almost see her, as she muddles through the “lessons.” And Pierce is amazing in his naturalness in
his monologue, as he exposes himself, and you truly feel for all the pained
people in this world who are struggling to just be heard and understood. It is an insightful
trek for all of us and Lee has carefully led us successfully on this safari.
I recommend this play (nudity in one scene) and if you
choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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