A new wrinkle in casting brings an interesting aspect to Lee Blessing's 1988 play A Walk in the Woods in this fine revival by the Keen Company. Traditionally played by two males, we can now sense that a battle of the sexes has been integrated into the interplay between two negotiators, one American the other Russian. And it works effortlessly and effectively.
You may wonder if this play remains relevant in a time when the fate of nations is no longer determined by the give and take of two super powers. Rest assures that it has not only retained its topicality, but also the urgency of its message.
As smartly directed by Jonathan Silverstein, an added dimension is driven by an unapologetically opinionated man in a series of informal meetings with a provocatively conciliatory woman. It makes for a refreshing debate with the negotiators the opposite sex.
The inexperienced slightly arrogant American John Honeyman (Paul Niebanck) has been sent to Geneva to head the United States' arms negotiating team. But, it is not at the negotiating table that he loses the most points with his cynical, testy, and savvier Russian adversary Irina Botvinnik (Kathleen Chalfant) but during their rather long, secluded walks among the Linden trees. For more information and to read the complete review please go to http://curtainup.com/walkinthewoods14.html
No comments:
Post a Comment