You know that old adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”? Theatricum Botanicum’s production of John Galsworthy’s Strife demonstrates how easy it is to fall back on old patterns. Without delving too deeply into the current “Forward into the Past” mentality that is sweeping our social situation at present, it is easy to relate Galsworthy’s 1909 tale of class conflict to modern day.
Co-directors Willow and Ellen Geer transport the polemic play to turn-of-the-century coal mines in Pennsylvania, thus acquainting us with the “glories” of the Gilded Age, of which our current President is so fond. Although by our present standards the play is overly argued, it is safe to say that Galsworthy presents the dilemmas of the workers against the interests of the powerful mining company officers with an even hand.
Rather than having one central set of characters, the action eddies around the community itself. Chairman of the Board, old-man Anthony (a decisive Franc Ross), invites the members of his board to find a solution to the workers’ strike that has caused a financial strain on their livelihood. On the other side of the coin, David Roberts (a commanding Gerald C. Rivers) has the workers’ ears, but the union, represented by Simon Harness (Brian Wallace), is standing firm. Interesting, considering the time in which it was written, the women in the play supply voices of reason. Notably, Enid Underwood (Emily Bridges) pleads for the workers’ families, while Mrs. Rous (Susan Stangl) supports the ailing Annie Roberts (Earnestine Phillips).
The Geers’ staging this cast of thousands, as it were, seems seamless, but in the tradition of turn of the 20th Century plays, its dialogue can be weighty. It’s a shame that Galsworthy’s argumentation is so dense. It makes it difficult to find a way to lighten a bit of the load. Still, in todays’ current political climate, Strife is a perfect way to find out where we’ve been in order to see clearly where some forces insist we should be headed.
As always, the production values at Theatricum Botanicum augment the stage’s wooded surroundings. This demanding play employs the entire stage to segway from one group to another, and it can turn on a dime to change the mainstage area from palatial living room to union strike-hall. Costuming by Caitlyn Cisek, properties by Alex Penner, and the uncredited selection of furniture are indispensable for carrying the period looks, while music (Marshall McDaniel) and sound (Lucas Fehring) fill the void.
Strife plays in repertory with Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and several other 20th Century classics, through mid-September, and the full season ends October 17th at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga 90290. TICKET PRICES run from $15-$64. For complete scheduled go online, www.theatricum.com. Purchase tickets there or phone the box office at 310-455-3723.
