- “Nothing to be done!” Samuel
Beckett’s masterpiece has the two main characters repeat the line,
which can take on a different meaning from person to person and from
time to time. Is it referring to boredom – is it talking about
hopelessness – or maybe acceptance at the inevitability of life?
-
- The Athena Theatre Company takes a huge
leap in presenting this classic example of Theatre of the Absurd, by
courageously exchanging the gender of the two principal characters.
If someone has never heard of “Godot”, this piece will fall neatly
into place as Vèronique Ory and Schantelle Cason play the title roles
of the seemingly destitute Estragon and Vladimir with wonderful
commitment and veracity, giving realistic portrayals of people in
limbo. If you know the play, the gender exchange may grate at
first, but soon becomes natural as the characters easily flow into the
situation. Sitting on a bench by a tree, they wait for Godot, who
presumably will bring something better for them. Their disjoined
chatter about removing a boot, wanting food and other trivialities
exemplifies how people might pass the time to prevent boredom, although
they often delve into the private and personal, but quickly back off.
-
- Making the characters female permits some
unscripted liberties and inevitably their sexuality becomes part of the
tension that drives the story. When
Pozzo, the presumed land owner enters, it’s as if a new world opens.
Nathan G. Johnson is superb playing a rambling often irrational
man, with complete mastery of Lucky,
a slave – puppet who carries Pozzo’s suitcase, food basket
and stool. GJ Echternkamp
gives a brilliant performance as Lucky, speaking only when commanded by Pozzo,
suffering humiliation and physical abuse. Some scenes suggest sexual intimacy between the two
women and Pozzo, yet the dialog never wavers from the original even
when their actions seems to correspond with their words.
Pozzo and the two women remain at odds, and his appearance is
another element in the passage of time. As in the original play,
Godot never arrives, but sends a boy with word that he will be there
the next day. Another day of waiting is in store for Estragon and
Vladimir, where they will talk about boots, perhaps discuss committing
suicide, perhaps nothing. They’ll
spend their day waiting for Godot.
Director Claire Titelman has chosen to have the
main characters speak their lines with a high energy and volume, so that at
first it seems overly done but as their anxiety and anticipation becomes
more evident, it’s easy to see how people could exhibit high tension.
The starkly barren set with only a wooden crate and a dead tree in
the corner is brightly lit, giving a feeling of stifling blandness, which
echoes the characters’ feelings.
The play has only a few performances, so it would
be a good idea to call early for reservations.
(818) 754-1423. www.athenatheatre.com
The
Raven Playhouse,
5233
Lankershim Blvd,
NoHo
Arts District
Previews
Thursday, June 10th;
Performances
June 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th Friday, Saturday @ 800pm
Tickets
$15; Group Discounts Available
Reservations
and Information 818.754.1423 OR at www.athenatheatre.com
Press/Media
contact: Veronique
Ory 818-754-1423
