The San Diego
Repertory Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse, has
never shirked from meeting any controversy head on when it comes to presenting
politically charged theatrical material to its audiences. If the Rep’s productions are provocative and
probing, so much the better as long as they’re entertaining, is the way I see
it.
"The Exit
Interview” written by William Missouri Downs and directed by Woodhouse, is a
perfect example of controversy, political theatre, and entertainment coming
together in the Lyceum Space, in San Diego.
For starters,
the story is a comedic and existential exploration of religion, sex, and
politics as viewed through the lens of the establishment or the
anti-establishment depending on your
personal point of view. The play opens
with a pep talk to the audience concerning the do’s and don’ts, played by
JoAnne Glover and Lisel Gorell-Getz in cheerleader garb, complete with
pom-poms, energy and bounce, who then launch into edgy and funny riffs on
Religion, Sex, and Politics. It should
be noted at this point, that the production contains strong language and mature
themes. Those who do not have a healthy
sense of humor on the above topics may find various moments in the production
somewhat offensive. However, it’s very
topical, especially in an election year.
Our guide
through this thorny thicket of words, rules, laws, and policies in today’s
society is Richard Fig, played with sly intelligence by Herbert Siguenza,
co-founder along with Richard Montoya, and Ric Salinas of the highly respected
Latino comedy troupe “Culture Clash”.
Fig has just
gotten the ax from a nameless university and is receiving the obligatory “exit
interview” from Eunice (Linda Libby), an unctuous human resources flunky who
condescendingly spouts the corporate party line with smiles, pretense, and
patience. Fig gets off to a rocky and confrontational
start with Eunice, when a masked gunman (Francis Gercke) rampages through
building, and into the “exit interview” room brandishing an automatic pistol
(shades of Columbine Colorado).
Meanwhile,
Nick Cagle as a pompous, self-absorbed, opportunistic, TV reporter along with
Glover and Gorell-Getz - portraying several roles in the comedy - rake-over-the
coals the favorite whipping boys of the establishment: corporate greed, the
government’s entrenched politicians, and those who support the alienation of
the masses, etc. Fig on the other end
of the spectrum explains to Eunice the clarity and the appeal, at least for
him, of Brechtian themes and its philosophy. “ …People need to think for
themselves, and not be led around by others,” he laments. The result being that neither side moves
from their fixed positions (now that sounds familiar).
Sam Woodhouse’s
smooth directorial style, however, is what keeps the production from slipping
into a total polemic. Granted, the
scale tips its balance toward the anti establishment P.O.V. But the loyal opposition has its opportunity
to get in a few good licks, as well.
The creative
team, as well as the talented ensemble of players, shines with Scenic Designer
Giulio Cesare Perrone leading the way with wagons, slides, and movable set
pieces. Lighting Designer Wen-Ling Liao
provides illumination to create the moods, while at the same time allowing us
to appreciate the costumes of Valerie Henderson. A big kudo goes to stage manager Heather Brose, and her crew for
quick, crisp, traffic management touches during the scenes changes.
“The Exit
Interview”, is an anti-establishment blast that presents interesting and
provocative topics for later discussion over a cup of coffee at a
Bohemian-styled coffee shop… but no smoking please. The satiric comedy runs at the Lyceum Space theatre through
October 21, 2012.
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