Influence

Related Content

• The Survivor Mitzvah Project
  April 19, 2012
• The Young and the Heartless: The Gronholm Method and No Love, Reviewed
  September 6, 2012
• French Stewart as Buster Keaton, Back in L.A. in Vanessa Claire Stewart's Stoneface, Plus All Latest New Theater Reviews
  May 30, 2012
• The Sleeper
  May 31, 2012
• Stage Raw: L.A. Theater Aesthetic?
  March 12, 2010

More About

• Midwesterner Branden
• Shem Bitterman
• Alan Rosenberg
• Government and Politics
• Economic Issues

The brief, scandal-ridden tenure of Paul Wolfowitz as the director of the World Bank inspired this, Shem Bitterman's third play in his Iraq War trilogy, now having its premiere production. Bitterman turns a sharp, savvy, ferociously satirical eye on the subject of political corruption and lethal infighting in Washington. Young, liberal, idealistic Midwesterner Branden (Ian Lockhart) warily accepts a position at the World Bank, despite the fact that its Director (Alan Rosenberg) is regarded as the architect of the Iraq War. Branden's girlfriend Sally (Kate Siegel), a fanatical liberal, regards the Director as the devil incarnate, but she's co-opted when the Director finds funding for a project dear to her heart: providing micro-funding for economic development in poor countries. Branden soon finds himself caught in a no-win situation between the charming but ruthless Director, and the equally ruthless reformer, Rolf (Christopher Curry), who's seeking to depose him. Heads roll. Director Steve Zuckerman provides an elegant, funny dissection of the dangerous political currents. An original score by Roger Bellon coolly defuses the melodrama, and the accomplished cast deftly underlines the proliferating ironies. Rosenberg shines as the wily but charming Director, and Jeff McLaughlin's handsome set features familiar Washington landmarks. Skylight Theatre, 1816 Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 7 p.m., through April 4. (310) 358-9936. Produced by The Katselas Theatre Company.
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. Starts: March 6. Continues through May 9, 2010