THE PEOPLE OF POMPEII – Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Passionate, emotionally charged, modern and cool with an excellent ensemble work, this production deserves an applause and appreciation for what it stands for – their community.
There are no secrets in Topanga Neighborhood. They all participate in each other’s life challenges. The community is still standing, the kids didn’t lose their friends, the things they care about are not the things they can put in the suitcase and take away. They deal with them on a daily basis, never being sure when the unwanted might strike.
The kids have modern names in Topanga, like Atlantis, Eco, Blume, Spring. They’ve been evacuated multiple times, but they are the breath of this community, and they love it and are facing its challenges. They live by a slogan, ‘Don’t change anything, but let Topanga change you.’
The production of The People of Pompeii, written by Bernardo Cubria, is upbeat and touchy. Talented actors Bernardo Cubria (Carlos Cabrera), Willow Geer (Juniper Williams), Aaron Hendry (Evan Wood), Amber Luallen (Mel Rose), Lauren Saffa (Vera Schein) and Jon Sprik (Blake Callaghan), embraced their characters to the fullest. They love, they fight, they cry, they laugh, they practice spirituality, and they argue about politics … It’s hard not to argue about politics at times. And they are brilliant!
The director Elen Geer indicates in her notes, ‘After going to a reading of People of Pompeii by our local playwright Bernardo Cubria, one chill afternoon in Topanga Canyon, there were no questions of; should we? Well, it needs work. It was, We must put this play on its feet as soon as possible.’
Topanga is composed of young, old, newbies, oldies, the rich and poor. To live in Topanga takes a deep need for nature and home despite the risks of flood, fire, evacuation, and resulting road closures. This play gives us the world of three highly different middle-aged couples with divergent values, life experiences and goals, but all with a yearning for community.’
Those characters grow on you. I felt I was a part of Topanga community. And I saw the purpose of living on the edge, like hanging from the cliff never sure when that branch will break. It was truly the funniest, most heart wrenching evening that the theatre can offer. A phenomenal stage – on levels, was used to its fullest.
Creatives: Xochitl Romero & Ellen Geer were Co-Directors, Karen Osborne (Stage Manager), Darby Huffaker (Assistant Stage Manager), Beth Eslick (Costume Designer), Lucas Fehring (Sound Designer), and Hayden Kirschbaum (Lighting Designer).
The People of Pompeii at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290, which is midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. The shows are on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and run in repertory through October 4. The remaining couple of performances are on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63.
The amphitheater is terraced into the hillside, so audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating. Patrons are welcome to arrive early to picnic in the gardens before a performance.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum has a rich history dating back to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy-era blacklist, opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his Topanga property. Friends like Ford Rainey, Della Reese, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie performed on the dirt stage, igniting both artistic expression and grassroots activism. Today, two outdoor amphitheaters sit within the natural canyon, offering audiences the chance to relax and enjoy nature during a performance. From May through October, Theatricum continues to be a haven for compassion, community, and the wonders of nature. The theater is a beloved historical landmark and multiple award-winner, including the prestigious Margaret Harford Award for “sustained excellence” from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.
Theatricum Botanicum offers hands-on workshops, to ongoing residencies and touring versions of their incredible repertoire. These enriching programs are tailored to meet the needs of everyone.
The Donations are always welcomed, needed and appreciated.
For more information, contact (310) 455-3723 or go to www.theatricum.com