When I was in high school I joined the drama club because I loved acting and plays and relished the opportunity to spend time outside of school in “rehearsals” with my best friends. Those of us in the drama club shared a culture that set us apart from, say, the school chorus.
There's something powerful about feeling part of "the club" and I guess that at least half of the audience members at last night's performance consider themselves theatre insiders, card-carrying members of the drama-club-for-grownups. Mamet's play seems to be written for, and best enjoyed by, folks who have experience with one, or both, of the characters and follies they represent. I'd place a bet that those who laughed loudest felt the slightest twinge of self-satisfaction for getting the jokes. I did.
But a play performed for the drama club doesn't necessarily have wide appeal. The more subtle story line--the evolution of the relationship between a giant at the end of his career and an aspiring talent at the beginning of his--was a little muddied by the theatrics and the jokes for those "in the know."
The script won’t disappoint fans of Mamet, unless you are expecting the usual torrent of profanity. The dialogue is crisp, smart and beautifully wielded by the talented actors. And acting is really where this performances shines. Whether you've spent a life in the theatre, 10 minutes backstage, or even seen a few good plays, it's easy to recognize André De Shields is truly a phenomenal actor. In fact, his performance redeems this play for those who may not be “in the club.” De Shields and his co-star, Ariel Shafir, are fun to watch and a real delight to hear as they expertly wrestle Mamet’s script.
A Life in the Theatre tells a powerful tale about those who give their lives, sometimes to their detriment, to the craft of acting. And with a little imagination it can speak to those of us who live life outside the theatre.
There's something powerful about feeling part of "the club" and I guess that at least half of the audience members at last night's performance consider themselves theatre insiders, card-carrying members of the drama-club-for-grownups. Mamet's play seems to be written for, and best enjoyed by, folks who have experience with one, or both, of the characters and follies they represent. I'd place a bet that those who laughed loudest felt the slightest twinge of self-satisfaction for getting the jokes. I did.
But a play performed for the drama club doesn't necessarily have wide appeal. The more subtle story line--the evolution of the relationship between a giant at the end of his career and an aspiring talent at the beginning of his--was a little muddied by the theatrics and the jokes for those "in the know."
The script won’t disappoint fans of Mamet, unless you are expecting the usual torrent of profanity. The dialogue is crisp, smart and beautifully wielded by the talented actors. And acting is really where this performances shines. Whether you've spent a life in the theatre, 10 minutes backstage, or even seen a few good plays, it's easy to recognize André De Shields is truly a phenomenal actor. In fact, his performance redeems this play for those who may not be “in the club.” De Shields and his co-star, Ariel Shafir, are fun to watch and a real delight to hear as they expertly wrestle Mamet’s script.
A Life in the Theatre tells a powerful tale about those who give their lives, sometimes to their detriment, to the craft of acting. And with a little imagination it can speak to those of us who live life outside the theatre.
Amy, I left "A Life In The Theatre" thinking, "Wow, I'm glad I'm not the one to have to review THIS production."
That being said, I couldn't agree with your review more. I wasn't a part of "that club" in high school, but as I've become one of the number entering from the fringes in adulthood, I kept saying to myself throughout the performance, "I think you truly had to have a life in the theatre to fully appreciate this work by Mamet," as only some snatches of the "inside jokes" were familiar to me.
Hence, I agree, I think the kudos belong to the actors. Mr. DeShields was AMAZING, and Mr. Shafir was excellent as well. What struck me was just how physically demanding their roles were, as they appeared to be in almost constant motion, making full use of that stupefying set (the wizardry that goes on with set design at the Alliance never ceases to delight and astound me). I know I felt like my muscles need a good warm soak and some Bengay afterwards, and all I did was watch them! :-) I
Posted by: Lisa Brathwaite | November 09, 2009 at 05:34 PM