The Language Archive
South Coast Repertory is known for its balance of classic and
contemporary theater, while simultaneously devoting itself to the
development of new plays. Since 1964, SCR has produced 112 world
premieres, the latest of which is Julia Cho's quirky comedy, "The
Language Archive."
Cho is no stranger to the Southland since her play, "The Piano
Teacher," also received its world premiere at South Coast Rep. Those
lucky enough to have seen that trenchant drama may recall that Linda
Gehringer played the title role.
Once again she graces SCR's Segerstrom stage, but this time she
is not a lonely, out-of-touch tragic figure. In "Archive," Gehringer
plays Alta, a feisty old peasant woman who--together with her husband
Resten--can still speak and understand the dying language of the
Elloway people. Tony Amendola's delightful characterization of Resten
marches in lock-step with Gehringer's witty Alta.
As always, SCR's production values are outstanding, and the
entire cast is first-rate. In addition, thanks to Mark Brokaw's
direction, Cho's comedy has a laissez-faire buoyancy that allows sadness
and disappointment to percolate through the laughter.
All the action revolves around a brilliant linguist named George
(Leo Marks' portrayal is right on target), who has dedicated his life
to recording cultures that are rapidly disappearing across the globe.
The problem is, while the poor guy has the ability to deal with esoteric
languages, he can't express his own feelings, in his own words, about
his love for his wife, Mary.
A fellow researcher who works side-by-side with her husband, Mary
is so dejected she cries day and night. Nothing helps, even the poetic,
enigmatic love-notes that she leaves in George's shoes and under his
socks leave him speechless.
In total despair, Mary walks out on her husband, without realizing
that Emma, his lab assistant, has an unspoken crush on him.
Betsy Brandt's performance of Mary reminds me of little Orphan Annie;
while Laura Heisler portrays Emma as a poor love-sick puppy who is
afraid of its own shadow.
What a dilemma: Three highly trained research scientists unable to
communicate their feelings in the language of their birth!
Into this painful situation march Alta and Resten--two extremely
vocal people who know exactly how to express themselves but refuse to
speak in their native tongue. Why? because they're in the middle of a
violent argument and "Elloway is a language of love, while English
is the language of anger."
By now the audience has a keen appreciation of the concept that
underscores Cho's comedy; and in Act II, she throws in several
innovative detours to keep the premise lively. Neil Patel's research
library set is a knock-out; as are Mark McCullough's light design and
Rachel Myer's costumes.
But when all is said and done, Cho's tender, award-winning work
leaves the audience with the feeling that it needs a little honing, or some
extra refining, so it can resonate with the poignancy it deserves.
"The Language Archive" was commissioned by New York's Roundabout
Theatre Company and is produced in special arrangement with SCR. It
continues at 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, through April 25. For
ticket information call (714) 708-5555 or go on line at scr.org.