Reviewed by John Weatherford
Andrew Weems performed his one man show, DAMASCUS, for The Acting Company at the 4th Street Theatre. The two act 90 minute presentation followed a troubled man with a dubious past and a questionable future. The play, written by Mr. Weems, was presented on a sparse set (Neil Patel).
The character in question, a writer by quest, appeared to be somewhat biographical. Given the circumstances in which the character found himself, this observer believed that a younger performer would have given the piece a bit more sympathy. Mr. Weems is a consummate actor and brings a great deal of passion to his performance. His command of the stage and his ability to reach out and touch the audience is inspiring. However, for me, given the selfishness and lack of character of the subject at hand, there was little caring for the continued bad choices made by this everyman. There were times I felt that Mr. Weems was referring to the script for lines rather than using the books he had for any particular dramatic effect. I also would have preferred if the director, Ian Belknap, had integrated more of the telling of the story with the use of the water bottle as a prop. It appeared to be something an actor might bring on the stage for a reading. Yet, I must say, that was bothersome. I guess we have come to the place in our dramatic presentations where access to water is a must.
DAMASCUS plays until the 24th of June.
Posted by Sandi Durell
on June 16, 2012. Filed under COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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