 |
You might want to ask, ‘What do Birds of North America’, Moxie Theatres current production by Anna Ouyang Moench have to do with tensions between father and daughter, both who enjoy bird watching together?’
Plenty, but is hidden under the surface.
In a series of conversations taking place over a period of about a dozen years father and daughter, Caitlyn (Farah Dinga) and John (Mike Sears) get together to seek out unusual bird sightings and sounds which John methodically tracks and records in a small notebook. He has been doing this it seems, almost all his life and especially now that he’s retired. He seems rather pleased with himself as he checks his watch and notes the times of the sightings. John is logical, meticulous, somewhat incorrigible, outspoken, sure of himself and highly political.
As for Caitlyn, who enjoys the sightings, she is less engaged and at a critical point in her life; she just graduated from college. Caitlyn resents John’s approval/disapproval of her job decisions like working for an anti-climate corporation even though she claims she is only a receptionist, not a decision maker and as for climate control, she’s on board.
 |
| Farah Dinga |
He pooh- pooh’s ’s her wanting to write a book, or travel; well just about anything she wants to do. When she lands a job working for a big energy company he goes ballistic. She reminds him that everything he has and most likely is wearing is a by- product of same energy company. As self -centered and do- gooder as he is, she knows how to push his buttons as well.
Throughout, the audience waits for the next big storm to erupt as the conversations and disagreements boil over to personal attacks and smolder and kindle just under the surface. He ridicules her boyfriend, soon to be husband’s name and at a crucial time in one of their meetings, she reveals another miscarriage and he reminds her this is not the first one and that most pregnancies end in miscarriages.
To say he’s disengaged would be an understatement, while missing opportunities to get closer to his daughter. And yet, at one point he calls and leaves a voice message that can break your heart as everything he ever wanted to say comes pouring out in one stream, tears and all, only for him to delete it and replace it with a simple ‘hope all is well’ message.
Director Lisa Berger, professor of theatre and much sought after director, keeps the tensions high and volatile throughout. To her credit she has two very qualified actors in Mike Sears who is at his ultimate best and Farah Dinga San Diego based Pakistani-Queer theatre actor to fill the roles of father -daughter. While some of the banter is light, one can appreciate some levity in Moench’s writing. For the most part though, it’s a sad state of affairs for this father-daughter duo.
With Robin Sanford Roberts tree filled area lined with autumn leaves surrounding the area, a bench and small sitting space and Danita Lees outdoorsy outfits, there is little question the two are in outdoors, to be specific, John’s backyard in Baltimore. Joshua Heming’s lighting design designates changing years, and Matt Lescault-Woods design and in combination with The San Diego Audubon Society, different bird calls are heard throughout. Luckily, John recognized them all.
 |
| Farah Dinga and Mike Sears |
Relationships, particularly father-daughter relationships are at the heart of Moench’s relatively new play. It’s like watching children sparring with each other hoping to get a one up while reaching for their binoculars looking out for the next bird and bird call they hear. But don't be misled.
When: Through March 5. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Ste. N, San Diego
Tickets: $25-$43
Phone: (858) 598-7620
Photo: Jen Thorn
Online: moxietheatre.com
No comments:
Post a Comment