This
riveting drama is set in a cell in Lebanon, in the 1980s, where three
men – an American, an Irishman and a Brit - are being held hostage by a group
of Islamic militants. How do they survive years in hell with gun-bearing fools whose goal is to
keep them in a cage, shoot them if ordered and have fun watching them squirm? According to Irish playwright, Frank
McGuinness - With
defiance and imagination. Laugh in their
faces, talk, argue, sing, embrace and fantasize – but never accept that you’re
doomed.
Based loosely on Brian Keenan’s memoir of his
harrowing four years as a hostage in Lebanon, this play is a lesson in
living. We are witness to the games, the
breakdowns, the heroic struggle, and, in the shadowy scene-breaks, time passes,
clothes get shabbier, a man’s mind starts to unravel. Still the message is: Survive, Love, Hate,
but always remember to Laugh!
Bert Emmett is extraordinary as the Irish journalist, goading, teasing, keeping the
others alive; Lloyd Pedersen is poignant as the English professor trying
to keep a stiff upper lip but usually failing, and Evan L. Smith is
heart-breaking as the American doctor grasping at straws to retain his
sanity.
Director Gregg
T. Daniel brilliantly
conveys the energy and black humor that keeps the men alive, and Gary Lee Reed (Set); Kim
Smith (Lighting); Steve Shaw (Sound) and Elizabeth Nankin (costumes) capture
the desolation.
Laura
Coker produced for The Group Rep, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd. North Hollywood, through June 2. Tickets (818) 763-5990 or www.thegrouprep.com.
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