No Man's Land
I’m doing my bit to get the word out about two superlative actors (Alan Mandell and Larry Pressman) tackling some of the most enigmatic material (anything by Harold Pinter) in the English language. Now appearing at the Odyssey Theatre, the two signature performers inhabit No Man’s Land, a play that, despite its circularity, continually fascinates and amuses.
With no fanfare, Pinter introduces us to a pair of erudite, if inebriated men who arrive in a well appointed living room, continuing what appears to have been quite a night drinking at the local pub. Hirst (Pressman), the owner of the house, seems to be worse off than his companion, Spooner (Mandell), but he has the advantage of being in his own home. When he is so pissed that he can no longer stand, a younger man, Foster (John Sloan), magically appears. He introduces himself as the old man’s son. However, his actual relationship, as well as that of his rougher comrade, Briggs (Jamie Donovan) will take some time to reveal.
As the conversation eddies, flows and then switches back upon itself, reality constantly shifts under the feet of the guest, Spooner. His desperation finally gives him away, although he eventually proves to be an prismatic as the rest.
It is such a joy to watch two accomplished actors tackle this difficult, if surprisingly funny play. Alan Mandel and Larry Pressman join the ranks of superb actors who have performed these roles, including John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and even Harold Pinter himself. Credit goes to director Michael Peretzian for honing their relationship to a diamond-like precision.
Of the two, Pressman is deliciously arch, lathering on an ever-advancing inebriation and reveling in the dialogue. Mandell as Spooner subsumes himself to the character of a desperate old man. He exudes a evanescent sense of defeat that helps us realize that, as genteel as he may be, he is homeless and this may be his last stop. The two supporting actors, Jamie Donovan and Jack Sloan, are equal to the work carried on by the veterans. Sloan exudes a sort of jocular menace, while Donovan, whose role is more straight forward, brings dimensionality to his portrayal of the thuggish Briggs.
A beautifully realized set designed by Los Angeles stalwart, Tom Buderwitz, provides the perfect backdrop for the night and following morning, economically delineated by Jeremy Pivnick’s lighting. Pacific Resident Theatre costumer, Audrey Eisner, supplies the period-perfect clothes.
If you are anywhere near the click of this review, you must make a point of catching No Man’s Land.
No Man’s Land continues at The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90025, Thursday–Saturday at 8:00 P.M.; Sunday at 2:00 P.M.: with two more Wednesday performances on 11/11 and 12/13 through December 19th . For reservations phone (310) 477-2055 or www.odysseytheatre.com. Ticket prices from $25.00 (weekdays) to $30.00.