Influence
If you’re a political junky like I am and tune in to MSNBC and KPFK regularly, you will find this play stimulating and exciting. This is the third play of Shem Bitterman’s Iraq War Trilogy (including Harm’s Way and Man, Gov.). Inspired by the brief, scandal-ridden tenure of Paul Wolfowitz as director of the World Bank (played by Alan Rosenberg, well known and loved film/television/stage actor), Bitterman investigates not only the ruthlessness of Neocon strategy, but the eroding goals of the world financial institution itself.
Idealistic Midwesterner, Branden (Ian Lockhart), along with his even more liberal and soon-to-be pregnant wife Sally (Kate Siegel), are slowly and cunningly sucked in and forced to take sides in the political machinations and lethal infighting of Washington. Rolf (Christopher Curry gives a brilliant performance) is a liberal Swedish delegate determined to keep Wolfowitz from opening a World Bank office in Baghdad and is willing to go to any lengths to topple him.
The political ramifications of such a move are touched upon, but somehow too intellectually, lacking the emotion and passion the situation should actually conjure. The long-term social injustice imposed upon peoples required to accept Western domination is more dramatic than the simple plot development of the wife leaving her husband. Yet, this play, a bitter, satirical, dark comedy does attempt to question some of our American values and ends with the provocative question “Who actually won the Second World War?”
Robert Cicchini is marvelous as secretary to the boss. Steve Zuckerman expertly directs his cast. Roger Bellon contributes very fine music, and the suggestive set by Jeff McLaughlin is imaginative. Producer is Gary Grossman, artistic director for the Katselas Theatre Co. As the launch production of the Katselas Theatre Company, this world premiere forebodes a successful 2010 season.
Skylight Theatre
1816 Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90027
Fri., Sat, 8:00 pm
Sun 7 pm
Until April 4
Prices: $25, students & seniors $15
310-358-9936