GOING TO ST. IVES …Hollywood

 

In this compelling two-person drama, the imperious mother of an African dictator visits the English ophthalmologist from whom she seeks help for her failing eyesight. In an elegantly furnished home in St. Ives, England, there is some challenging social interaction over cups of tea. However, both women have hidden agenda’s that require them to betray their personal beliefs in the search for a greater good. It involves a murder, and ultimately triggers a bloody chain of events with life-and-death consequences.

Both attain their purposed goal but months later, meeting again in Africa, are faced with the spiritual failure and personal annihilation that their actions have wrought. Author Lee Blessing presents questions of personal ethics, global politics and moral responsibility through two strong-willed women trading confidences across a wide cultural divide.

 

 

 In the end, Inger Tudor, as the haughty May N’Kame, delivers a heart-wrenching monologue on a mother’s loss that brings the play into tragic focus, while Nan McNamara, as the dedicated surgeon Dr. Gage, passionately mourns the loss of the idealism that made her a doctor.

Uncompromising direction is by Linda Kerns, with set by Mark Henderson and Tim Farmer, lighting by Bill E. Kickbush, sound by Warren Davis, and elegant costumes by Vicki Conrad. Catherine Gray produces for Actors Co-op.

Actors Co-op is located on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood. Free parking is available. For play dates: (323) 462-8460 ext. 300 or www.ActorsCo-op.org

Reviewed in the March issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.