Seana McKenna in A.C.T’s Testament.
TESTAMENT: Solo Drama play by Colm Tóibín. Directed by Carey Perloff. Starring Seana McKenna. American Conservatory Theater (ACT), 415 Geary St., San Francisco, CA. (415) 749-2228 or www.act-sf.org. October 23 – November 17, 2013.
An intriguing yet disconcerting TESTAMENT at A.C.T. [Rating:3]
There are many versions of the circumstances revolving around the crucifixion of Jesus and separating fact from fancy becomes disturbing if one wishes to search for the truth. The ‘truth’ of one tale conflicts with the ‘truth’ of many others and is influenced (if truth can influenced) by one’s religious or non-religious beliefs. In 2011 multitalented Colm Tóibín (novelist, journalist and playwright) wrote a novella “The Testament of Mary” that was converted into a one woman show presented in Dublin in 2011. A longer version of the play was presented on Broadway in 2013 and collaboratively reworked for this A.C.T. production.
Although the story teller is never named there is no doubt it is Mary mother of Jesus. She is reiterating her ‘story’ about the details and meaning of the crucifixion while being influenced by zealots who wish her to relate the details in a manner that would further their aspirations. (“Witnesses will be needed.”) From this starting point the story is told by a grieving mother whose son, she cannot says his name, has died a horrible death and she plaintively asks how long does it take to die after crucifixion.
The ‘facts’ surrounding the life of Jesus beginning with his ‘unruly’ followers, the miracle of restoring health to a cripple, the converting water to wine and the resurrection of Lazarus are interwoven into the narrative that is descriptive of the mores of the time. As written by Tóibín Mary’s story is one of self-preservation to avoid ‘the strangler.” The incredulity in Seana McKenna’s voice with the questioning words “Son of God” and “King of the Jews” certainly will raise the hackles of devout Christians.
Imagery abounds throughout the 80 minutes of the play and McKenna’s delivery is a marvel but did not keep a seat mate sufficiently alert to stay awake. The ending is confusing when the ancient Roman god Artemis of Ephesus, is evoked before the lights go out on the nondescript set surrounded by shards of glass. Running time 80 minutes without intermission.
Kedar K. Adour, MD
Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagazine.com.
