The Hostage
I am a great fan of Theatre Banshee. Last year’s performance of The Year of the Hiker left me in tears and giving a standing ovation. It was with excitement that I rushed to see The Hostage. This production, however, is simply not my 'cup of tea.'
In the program director, McKerrin Kelly, tells us that author, Brendan Behan was not receptive to the original presentation in Ireland because it was weighted down by ‘naturalistic acting.’ He promoted another production in England that explored improvisational development and Absurdist Theatre. Mr. Kelly then states that he tried to combine the two different texts and styles and add something of his own. Unfortunately, in this reviewer’s opinion, he leaned far too much in the direction of improvisation and absurdity.
The play opens with the ensemble singing and shouting far too loudly and exuberantly for a group that has supposedly been carousing all night. All their actions were forced, pushed, too obvious, and without subtleness or human shading.
The actor performing the lead character, Pat, played only surface values. He had no inner life behind the lines whatsoever. His leg obviously was not hurt, though he carried a cane and complained. He was far too young and not nearly worn enough for his history; he shouted his lines as if this could provide energy and substance. This habit of shouting was picked up by other cast members as well.
The production had far too many songs in it. Every time a serious moment was approached it was immediately broken by carousing and vaudevillian shtick aimed at laughs. The ensemble kept running on and off stage like coo coo clocks striking the hour. Abrupt un-motivated light changes occurred through out. By the time the climax occurred, I could have cared less.
This is not to say the production was entirely without merit. The English soldier, Patrick Joseph Rieger was very good. He had not abandoned naturalistic acting totally. Casey Kramer was excellent and funny as the old prostitute. And some of the ensemble performed their roles well; Dan Conroy, Mark Colson, Vash Boddie.
To be honest, I admit that the audience loved the show. Unless the audience was entirely friends and company members, my views are definitely expressing a minority. Still, I cannot recommend this show.
The Banshee
3435 W. Magnolia
Burbank, Ca.
(818) 846-5323.