By Daily Press staff
The Will Geer Theatricum Bo-tanicum in To-panga presents a workshop performance of Tilting by Theatricum playwright-in-residence Jennie Webb on Sunday, Nov. 16 at noon, which is part of its ongoing development series for playwrights, “Botanicum Seedlings.”
Commissioned by The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in 2001 as a work to be created specifically for the scenic, outdoor amphitheater and repertory company members by its first playwright-in-residence, Tilting draws from the history of the “Living Newspaper Plays,” as well as the unique legacy of the Theatricum itself as a long-standing Los Angeles arts institution with its roots in the McCarthy-era blacklisting.
Tilting is an absurd comedy that provides a shamelessly agit-prop look at America’s changing political and social landscape. The new play examines the media’s role in manufacturing leaders, tests our religious tolerance for blind faith and challenges the power of the almighty dollar. Tilting was given a staged reading in October 2002, one of three play readings inaugurating the Botanicum Seedlings series. For this workshop presentation, the play will be rehearsed for two full weeks.
“Jennie has a cryptic and sharp sense of humor that gives physical reality to the confusion many of us in this country are feeling as our government veers to the right,” said Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, who directs the workshop. “When people speak out, they tend to get pigeon-holed. Tilting defies pigeon-holing.”
Webb is an independent playwright whose works include “Remodeling Plans,” “The Complete Story of the War,” “Men & Boxes, Buying a House,” “Unclaimed Assets” and “GreenHouse and Killing Miss America.” Her plays have been presented on stages and in alternative venues throughout the U.S. and internationally, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Initiated in the fall of 2002, the Botanicum Seedlings series acts as an adjunct to the Theatricum Botanicum’s Summer Repertory Season, commencing yearly before the summer activities are underway with its winter readings, continuing with spring readings as the season opens, and culminating after the season winds down with a fall workshop production of a play selected from the works presented in readings. The series is produced by Yael Berkovich. Literary Manager Israel Baran heads the play selection committee.
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For further information, call (310) 455-2322. The theater is outdoors. In case of inclement weather, call for alternate performance times.
Admission is free to the public.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 31, 2003. Read the original PDF.