November 9, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

‘The Tragedy of the Commons’ at Santa Monica’s Ruskin Group Theatre Through November 6:

The Los Angeles premiere of Steven Metcalfe’s compelling play, “The Tragedy of the Commons,” on stage at the Ruskin Group Theatre, is a searing drama that delves into loss – both immediately personal and tangentially external. It gives us an insider’s look at the agony of those left behind who try to come to terms with the tragedy of losing a loved one.

In a riveting, emotionally sustained performance, Brian Kerwin lives in the skin of the overwrought character of Dakin Adams, a retired high school teacher who fills his time writing a blog called “Notes From Zone 3,” through which he tries to cope with his crumbling world. Not many actors can pull off long monologues without breaking the fourth wall, but in one particularly compelling monologue, where Dakin reminisces about his life, Kerwin succeeds in delivering a brilliant, mesmerizing, totally focused moment.

Under the taut direction of Dave Florek, who keeps the action moving at the appropriate pace, the playwright skillfully unravels the story with precise surgical hands, from the opening scene that begins with Dakin using a new oral program that supposedly captures your words on the computer as you speak. The subtext is powerful as one gets an immediate sense that the sometimes surface dialogue is a smoke screen for smoldering issues and emotions.

Briefly the story revolves around Dakin, his long suffering wife Macy, very well played by Leslie Hicks, their neurotic, dermatologist neighbor and long-time friend, Carl Brewer, played to perfection by Edward Edwards, who gives a highly nuanced, restrained performance, and Dakin’s two children, Ellen (Austin Highsmith), and Spencer (Lane Compton), both of whom give satisfying performances.

The Adams have been enjoying a wonderful view from their home which has been somewhat obscured by a runaway oleander hedge which Carl is willing to cut back. The big threat, however, lies in the potential sale of Carl’s house carrying the possibility of the new owner building another story that would block the Adams’ view. Dakin tries to convince Carl to put a restriction on the building of a second story, but despite his affluence, Carl, on the advice of his attorney, refuses on the grounds that such a restriction could reduce the value of the home up to $300,000. The conversation and their friendship end badly.

Suddenly, Dakin’s well dressed stockbroker son Spencer appears and one immediately gets the sense of an outer-worldly presence that is woven in and out of the action. He acts both as Dakin’s alter ego and muse, becoming a sounding board for his dad’s conflicts. Macy has recurring nightmares in which she is unable to save her son from the horrible tragedy that took his life, along with the lives of thousands of people. Despite the subtle strain between them, and Ellen’s unspoken sadness, her concern for Dakin’s well being permeates throughout the play as she expresses alarm over the amount of time he spends on the computer and his growing obsession with losing their view which is perhaps a metaphor for the much greater loss he and his wife have experienced.

Rounding out this highly professional ensemble is Jefferey Stubblefield who plays the antagonistic Dan Gerard, the seemingly heartless, hard-edged new owner who buys Carl’s home on spec. He intrudes himself on Dakin and Macy to make friends, but is adamant about building a second story. Their potentially friendly relationship immediately goes south and Dakin is left more distraught than ever. As the play progresses, however, we get a glimpse into what Dan is really like and it is revealed that he was saved from a fiery death that profoundly changed his life. After that near-death experience, Dan divorced his wife and came out of the closet. One of the beauties of this play is that there are no “bad” guys. All the characters are fully actualized, sympathetic human beings.

The production values, for the most part, aid and abet the action, with a good use of the space by set designer Cliff Wagner who created an indoor/outdoor set. Lighting design by Brandon Baruch was sometimes less than adequate, while the un-credited sound design of mostly “smoky” music nicely enhanced the action and scene transitions.

The title of this powerfully written play was derived from ecologist Garrett Hardin’s essay “The Tragedy of the Commons, ” and the line “Any shared resources are inevitably ruined by uncontrolled use” is particularly appropriate to Metcalfe’s must-see play.

Ruskin Group Theatre

3000 Airport Road

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Fridays and Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays 2 p.m.

Closing: Nov. 6, 2011

Reservations: 310.397.3244

in News
<>Related Posts

Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee Wins Best of Santa Monica

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

By Susan Payne A health-conscious coffee shop in Santa Monica is stealing hearts. More than its Matcha teas, Spanish lattes...

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Renewable Energy Group to Host Scenic Hike in Palisades

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

The Route Is Based on a Walk Described as “The Most Scenic of All the City’s Stairwalks.” WRISE Los Angeles,...

“Caterpillar Soup” Returns to Santa Monica Playhouse for 20th Anniversary Performances

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Written and Performed by Lyena Strelkoff, the Autobiographical Production Explores Her Journey After a Paralyzing Fall The critically acclaimed one-woman...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Film Review: Here

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

FILM REVIEWHERERated PG-13104 MinutesReleased November 1st  Here was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. This...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

The Whaler Celebrates 80 Years as Venice Landmark

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Throughout November, the Whaler Will Feature Drink and Food Specials, Live Music, and Weekend Events The Whaler, a Venice Beach...

November 6 Updates: Malibu Holds Fire at 50 Acres as Schools Close, PCH Reopens

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Crews Contain Brush Fire, Closures In Effect, Power Outages in Malibu The city of Malibu’s website has issued an update...

Architectural Review Board Considers Eight-Story Mixed-Use Project on Wilshire

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

The Development Will Include Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom Units, 13 of Which Will Be Reserved as Affordable Housing A proposed...

Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Jewish-Owned Businesses in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Authorities Investigate Series of Early Morning Attacks as Hate Crime Police are actively searching for a suspect accused of vandalizing...

Latest Santa Monica Election Results as Votes Are Counted in National, State, and Local Races

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Preliminary Results From Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, and National Elections Here are the latest election results, as votes are...

Topanga Canyon Blvd Closed to Non-Residents Due to High Fire Danger

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Closures Run From Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed to non-residents from Mulholland Drive...