Date: Fri 29-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Illustration: C

Quick Words:

Yale-Rep-Mamet-Cryptogram

Full Text:

(rev "The Cryptogram" @Yale Rep, 11/29/96)

Theatre Review-

Mamet's Minimalist Mumbo Jumbo

By June April

NEW HAVEN - The suffix "-gram" refers to something written (telegram), drawn

(monogram) or recorded (cardiogram). David Mamet's play The Cryptogram , at

Yale Repertory Theatre until December 7, is a theatrical production having a

hidden (crypto-) significance.

It might be further added that the set design was quite reminiscent of a

tangram!

Minimalist in nature, Mamet's plays have won awards, including a Pulitzer

Prize (in 1984, for Glengarry, Glen Ross ). According to the playwright, it is

the idea of the play that is all-encompassing; and like another formidable

contemporary playwright, Harold Pinter, "the play means what the play is!"

OK, so what does this translate to for the average theatre audience?

For an audience at Yale, it could provide an interesting evening of

intellectual considerations. People who are seeking a night of light

entertainment - of escapism - should run in another direction.

The three actors do their jobs well. Ellen McLaughlin is Donny, the abandoned

and angry mother of John, who is sensitively portrayed by Gabriel Millman as

her tortured young son, and their confused and (I believe) homosexual friend

Del, is played by award-winning actor Stephen Spinella. There is a fourth

character, the father/friend/husband, who never appears, but whose presence

(or lack thereof) is a major piece of this play.

So why did this reviewer walk away annoyed? Best to explain by a comparison.

Recently we went to see Someone Who'll Watch Over Me by Frank McGuinness at

Stamford Theatre Works. When that play ended there was about of 30 seconds of

silence, then the audience went wild with applause. The play was

spell-binding; it "spoke" to the audience. It shared and explored the deep

emotions of three hostages.

The audience could understand the characters' pain and their courage. The

audience left that theatre feeling uplifted and profoundly stirred, and glad

to have experienced a very fine theatre event.

The Cryptogram has some of the same elements - fear, anger, loss - but the

audience was an observer, detached from the events happening, not involved. To

this reviewer theatre means involvement, be it light entertainment or

absorbing drama.

On a certain level, almost like a musical experience, Mamet's work is

rhythmic. It is staccato; there are crescendos and silences (rests) followed

by streams of words. From that perspective, Cryptogram was fascinating.

Yale Repertory Theatre explores and challenges theatrical possibilities,

sometimes successfully, other times leaving people wondering how else they

could have better spent their time. But it is always important to grow and to

explore new ideas.

Perhaps it would be helpful to audiences to have a little introduction before

some of these more provocative plays and offer some insights into the thoughts

and intentions of the playwright; or use the playbill as that vehicle.

This approach to concerts and modern art exhibits has proved to be very

beneficial to all concerned. At least if one does not like the experience, one

can respect or understand it.

Cryptogram continues through December 7 at 1120 Chapel Street (corner of York)

in downtown New Haven. Performances are Monday at 7 pm; Tuesday through

Saturday at 8 pm; and there are 2 pm matinees on Saturday, November 20, and

Wednesday, December 4. Tickets are $25 to $30. Call 432-1234 for reservations.