Manifest/Destiny

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Manifest/Destiny" by Vladimir Zelevinsky

Date: Sat, May 13,11:34 PM

Quicktake on MANIFEST/DESTINY

     Previous scripts by Vladimir Zelevinsky, playwright-in-residence at the Theatre Coop have required considerable more actors and were set in fabled locations. "Manifest/Destiny" has only four players, a few props and bits of furniture, but has numerous characters from several centuries and encompasses the entire United States, the Atlantic and Europe. In some ways, it's a perfect show for Theatre Coop's finale at the Peabody House on Broadway in Somerville, about six blocks north of the Sullivan Sq. T-station.
     Zelevinsky has distilled the immigrant experience with some emphasis on the experience of Jewish and Irish emigres, and concentrating mostly on the 19th century. The central motif of the first part, "Manifest," has a mixed group on steerage passengers crossing the Atlantic in a leaking steamer. To pass the time they speak of their past lives and their manner of going to the New World. The goals and tragedies of their lives are well considered. The second section is not as polished as it details the further travels of newcomers from the East Coast into the West. This material needs more focus and a more forceful conclusion, but has several moving sections and a bit more humor. Perhaps some reference to the current immigration crisis would be appropriate.
     For the last nine seasons, the Theatre Cooperative has produced a variety of thought-provoking plays often as regional premieres. Attendance and fundraising have been erratic, so the company is going on hiatus, leaving its current home. "Manifest/Destiny" featuring Robert Doris, Linda Goetz, Korinne Hertz, and John McClain could however be easily staged almost anywhere, so we might look for its reappearance next season. But why take the chance? Parking isn't that difficult along Broadway and public transportation is an option. Help the Theatre Coop to a graceful exit.

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"Manifest/Destiny" by Vladimir Zelevinsky, May 12 - 27

The Theatre Cooperative at Eliz.Peabody House

277 Broadway, Somerville (617) 625 -1300
Theatre Cooperative