THEATRE REVIEW
Coriolanus (Photo – Ian Flanders).
There are three more weeks of beautiful summer nights to enjoy plays, music, and special events at the secluded Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon (as well as some special events in October).
By Carol Edger Germain
A worthwhile trek for so many reasons! See their website for all the upcoming shows. Meanwhile, here are two I’ve seen and recommend.
CORIOLANUS – Shakespeare
The theater, which encompasses much of the space behind, beyond, and to the side of the stage,comprised of trees, hills, pathways, and bridges, was ideal for Coriolanus, which has a huge cast with grand battle and mob scenes, Lots of realistic sword fights, physical fights, marching, color, drama, interaction with the audience, and of course Shakespeare’s perspective on issues of the times (some of which seemed eerily familiar in light of the tumultuous atmosphere currently in our own country). Togas, sandals, muscles, beauty, politics, dueling to the death, it’s all there. Maybe a good idea to read a synopsis if you aren’t familiar with the story line on this one (I had not read it or seen a performance prior to this one), but even if you can’t name all the characters and trace their family and party lines afterward, it’s a rowdy good time with a lot of talent on the broad stage at one time!
THE CHALK GARDEN – written by Enid Bagnold
The Chalk Garden (Photo – Liam Flanders).
Set in the 1950’s in England’s upper crust Sussex seaside, the play opens in what seems to be a seemingly formal, orderly, and proper drawing room. The matriarch of the three-generation family, Mrs. St. Maugham, seems to have trouble nurturing her garden as well as her family, and the secrets, truths, lies, and struggles that unfold in the parlor soon give it life and depth and humor. The theater is perfect for the play, since part of the theater background is, in fact, a garden, no props needed. The elderly Mrs. St. Maugham is struggling to raise her granddaughter, Laurel, since her daughter/Laurel’s mother, Olivia, has moved on to a new life with a new man and they apparently want to be childless, although she returns later seeking redemption. Laurel is an unruly firebug who may play a bit loose with the truth for dramatic effect and sympathy (or maybe her stories are truthful, we are never sure). Maitland the valet is the ever-loyal fixture of the family and the primary servant involved in all aspects of life at manor; that is, however, until the mysterious Miss Madrigal interrupts the flow, as she arrives with promises of skills in gardening as well as child rearing but without references or credentials but is nevertheless hired on the spot. Both Maitland and Miss Madrigal have somewhat, well, “lower crust” shall we say, backgrounds involving the prison system. Miss Madrigal immediately takes charge of the gardening and the teenager and the family goes about it’s complicated business, struggling for growth and peace, with many secrets and challenges rippling below the surface. But it’s not all cloak and dagger, who’s-fooling-who, heavy drama, there is much wit and opportunity for laughs as well. Finally, when an elderly magistrate arrives for lunch, more of the past and future is revealed as he “reminisces,” vehemently, with one of the characters about their past connection. Intriguing every moment, plenty of humor, fantastic acting by all, and of course, the amazing forest setting.
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, CA. Please visit their website for dates and times on these two plays as well as “The Crucible,” “Haiti,” and various musical, improv, and special events.
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