Reviews

Jeff Smith / San Diego Reader/ March 30, 2000

Playland
Athol Fugard's tough, compassionate drama -- about race, galvanizing guilt, and "Number Six" (violation of the Sixth Commandment, "thou shalt not kill") -- takes place in a broken-down South African carnival-park, where people go to play and forget. Neither Martinus Zoeloe, the day and night watchman, nor hyper Gideon le Roux can, however. Each carries a world-sized weight. And though they come from vastly different backgrounds, and races, Gideon keeps returning to Martinus, like a moth to a flame, to outpour hurt and shame. And Martinus, convinced "you can't go to hell twice," opens a spillway of his own. The clenched-teeth, spiritually harrowing play depicts the threshold of reconciliation and forgiveness without sentimentality. The St. Paul's Cathedral production, in the "Great Hall," handicaps two fine actors, Russell Copley and Antonio T.J. Johnson, with a faulty sound system. Mikes squawk and distort (as if each speaks into the bell of a tuba). Technical glitches frustrate no end because (although they could listen to each other more carefully) Copley and Johnson do outstanding work -- Copley's Gideon as restless as a sand flea; Johnson's Martinus remains still, then his voice booms like a gong. And the play, even with intermittent auditory problems, can spellbind.

St. Paul's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue and Nutmeg Street, San Diego, through April 15; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 9, at 2:00 p.m. For information call 619-298-7261.

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