Philosophy, obsession and integrity are themes at the forefront of 6th Street Playhouse’s latest offering, The Lifespan of a Fact, directed by Libby Oberlin, now playing on their Monroe Stage in Santa Rosa through May 24.
The production is an actors’ showcase about human behavior. Some very grounded interactions are on full display here, as three characters grapple with the fact-checking process of a literary essay that takes myriad creative liberties in the name of emotional “truth.”
Jim Fingal (a subtle, persuasive Noah Vondralee-Sternhill, who excels at his comedic bits) is an eager up-and-coming writer assigned by his editor, Emily (Emily Lynn Cornelius, wielding her character’s high status with truth and unfussy humanity), to fact-check an essay by an aggressive author, John D’Agata (Marty Pistone, relishing the outlandish nature of this subversive character), who doesn’t take kindly to being dictated to. Egos and tension flare between the men, mediated by level-headed Emily, as they find themselves dissecting the very meaning of truth.
Though the characters aren’t given a ton of backstory, the time we spend with them reveals their nature organically. Their motivations are apparent without the obvious drama that can be tempting for a less experienced group of actors to ham it up.
The writing by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell is razor sharp without being artificial. Each actor had a few shaky moments as well as a number of instances of great believability too. Cornelius is particularly compelling as the harried editor, who recognizes the need for both airy poetry and dirty truth in a nonfiction piece of prose.
Lauryn Malilay continues her impressive scenic design streak with a clean, thoughtfully decorated set, aided with props by Ben Harper and Rachel Anderson. Projections, also by Malilay, are crisply executed. Noah Hewitt’s light design is both expansive and insular and darkens as the characters go more inward in their reflection.
The pacing was at times labored, with a few noticeable lulls in energy. But when it was firing on all cylinders, the action was riveting. Oberlin has an intelligent cast working hard to bring a very intellectual story to life. Those seeking a thought-provoking piece of theater will no doubt appreciate these efforts.
If that’s the kind of theater that sounds intriguing, one may consider grabbing a ticket to this original and unique story.
‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ runs through May 24 on the Monroe Stage at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sat & Sun, 2pm. $27–$48. 707.523.4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.
