*** Recommended *** No Man’s Land might be heavy going for many people. Harold Pinter’s 1974 drama about a couple of old sots resembles a battle of words with no real winner. Everything is clearer after a lot of alcohol is consumed, right? Almost everyone I knew in college indulged in deep philosophical discussions after having a few too many adult beverages. Most of us grew up. These guys never did. 3 Spotlights
Although I didn’t like No Man’s Land, directed by Les Waters, I thought the cast was outstanding. I loved the elegant Oh-So-British drawing room designed by Andrew Boyce.
Hirst (Jeff Parry) is a wealthy, semi-retired sometime poet/literati who lives in a stately home in the country. One evening he meets Spooner (Mark Ulrich), a down-at-the-heels would-be poet, in the local pub and brings him home for a drink.
At some point, they are joined by two younger men, Foster (Samuel Roukin) and Briggs (Jon Hudson Odom). Their role in the house is never really defined, except that one seems to be a bodyguard.
That drink turns into many as they go from beer to vodka to whiskey. Their philosophical discussion trails off into incoherent rants. Eventually Hirst tries to get up, he stumbles and falls, gets up and falls again and totters off to bed.
Spooner remains in his chair, drinking under the stares of Foster and Briggs, until Hirst returns in his pajamas and robe. He has another drink or two and then Briggs escorts him off to bed. When the lights are turned off, Spooner just stays in his chair.
In the morning, Briggs wheels a cart with a breakfast in front of Spooner without a word. It’s clear that Hirst doesn’t remember Spooner as the first thing he says is “Who are you?” Soon after, the drinking starts again.
Note: Guests are encouraged but not required to wear masks while inside the building.
No Man’s Land runs through August 20th in the Downstairs Theater at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. Self-parking is available in the Steppenwolf Garage, accessible parking in the lot north of Front Bar. Valet parking is also available. $15. Running time is 2 hours, including an intermission.
Performances are Tuesdays through Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 & 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Please note performance changes on Wednesday, August 9th: a performance at 2:30 pm will replace the scheduled performance at 8:00 pm. Tickets range from $20-$98. FYI (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.