TEEN THEATRE PERSPECTIVE
by Kristin Perkins

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The Whipping Man

Old Globe

After reading a really good book I think I'm not the only one who sits there for a few minutes, in a state of rapture and contemplation. I've noticed that, similarly, after a good play and the standing ovation that follows immediately, the audience exits without much talking, each person wrapped up in very personal ecstasy; each person takes a minute to absorb and reflect. This is why I mean it as a great compliment when I say that the exiting crowd from The Old Globe's The Whipping Man seemed especially quiet.

            The Whipping Man, written by Mathew Lopez, is the engaging southern gothic drama. Caleb, a Jewish confederate soldier returns to his ransacked home after the end of the civil war. Wounded with no way to take care of himself he is left at the mercy of, Simon - wise, generous, and kind and John, who takes Caleb's weakened position as an opportunity to settle a score. It explores the issue of slavery, as expected, but also enters into a more interesting and original dialogue that connects Jewish culture and Black culture. The second act especially breaks free from the clichés of the Southern Gothic style as Simon, John, and Caleb celebrate the Seder, a part of the Jewish Passover, and a satisfactory and poignant understanding is achieved.

            The play was staged in Sheryl and Harvey White Theater, a theater in the round, meaning the set had to be structured differently as opposed to a typical stage.  Built  by Robert Mark Morgan it couldn't block any view, but it managed though to create some sense of height by suspending cracked windows above the stage and the entrance a similarly broken down door.  The stage had to be sunk into the floor like a tomb which seemed appropriate for the setting. The grimy bricks and real fire undoubtedly set the tone with subtle realism.

            The cast was superb. Mark J. Sullivan as Caleb, the returning confederate soldier, is convincing even as he plays an amputee who delivers the majority of lines from the floor. Avery Glymph plays John, a former slave of Caleb's who seems to be reveling in the new turn of events which allows him to torment Caleb among other selfish acts such as thievery. One of the most memorable moments in the play is Glymph's monologue about "the Whipping Man" to whom he had been set many times. Glymph plays John deftly able to give the character complexities.

SAN DIEGO THEATRE SCENE BOOK STORE 

Finally Simon, played by Charlie Robinson, is the former slave and a devout Jew. Through the first act Simon remains a predictable mediator, almost unfailingly good. In the second act Simon broke free. Though the character never steps into corruption the second act provides provocative substance and some moments to not be the dignified, respectable man we were lulled into thinking he was.

            Directed by Giovanna Sadelli, The Whipping Man is a beautifully grimy play that ends, dare I use the cliché, full of hope. Written by Matthew Lopez it never panders with just enough originality to make the typical characters fresh and endlessly watch-able.

            It will be playing at the globe until early June. Go see it now!