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Pantomime
By Derek Walcott
Directed by Jonathan Wilson
At Pegasus Players
1145 W. Wilson
Truman College
Call 773-878-9761, tickets $17 - $25
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through October 22, 2006
Intelligent two-hander on racism and friendship awaits
Featuring a stunningly realistic set depicting the courtyard of an old hotel on the island of Tobago (set design by Timothy Mann), Pantomime is a smartly written and deceivably simple play that offers a softer approach to the probl em of racism.
With an old musical hall performer turned hotel proprietor, Harry Trewe (Kipp Moorman) and his Black handyman, Jackson Phillip (Andre Teamer), playwright and Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott has penned a fresh friendship play fitting two unlikely souls – the white British actor and the Black Islander. The framework is the old hotel during a renovation where the owner wants to offer his future guests entertainment in the form of skit featuring a satire of the Robinson Crusoe story. When Harry tries to get the handyman to become a player, the fun begins.
In the fast-paced comedy, the two debate, argue and sincerely talk about imperialism, prejudice, acting and drinking in a clever twist on the master-and-servant relationship where characters play parts not their own. They navigate through personal angst revealing past torments as they slowly connect and reach an understanding and equality that forges a true friendship based on mutual respect. This breezy play has rich humor, poignant moments and deals with racism in an honest and realistic manner.
The excellent work from both Kipp Moorman, who smartly reveals Harry’s pains and from Andre Teamer as Jackson. Teamer plays Jackson’s wit, intelligence and strength with an underscored command that invokes respect and empathy. This little play has much to say and offers a few laughs along the way. This breezy work is relaxed and quietly powerful.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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