By Shirley Lorraine –
Have you ever wondered what the outcome of a situation would be if a different choice were made? Would you go back and change a response if you could? It’s the “what-ifs” in life that keep humans exploring new avenues, seeking alternate endings, and ruminating on the myriad ways life could change in an instant.
Such is the basis of the Rubicon Theatre Company’s current award-winning production of Constellations by Nick Payne, a two-person extravaganza of exploration into the infinite cosmos of what-ifs. The question then becomes, can changing our responses actually change the outcome of a situation, or is the result ultimately fate, or a foregone conclusion? We will never know for certain, but it is a challenge to ponder the possibilities.
Marianne (Kodi Jackman) a physicist who, through a chance encounter with Roland (Tom Ainsley), a beekeeper, embarks on an emotional journey that defies description. As they each alter their interactions, the audience is swept into the infinite possibilities they might experience. Their story is told through a whirlwind of repeated dialogue that changes in minute but meaningful ways with each retelling.
The play is presented in one 80-minute act on a splendidly mesmerizing stage giving the illusion of the action moving smoothly through many dimensions of space. Both Jackman and Ainsley embody their characters effortlessly.
As the two spar and parry the audience becomes involved and invested in their journey. The play is unusual in its approach to the deep thought-provoking content, and it does take a few minutes to adapt to the style. Once you do, however, you will be swept up by the sheer brilliance of the challenges the actors bring to life. This play will have you reaching deep into your own beliefs to ask the questions that plague many of us throughout our lives.
Marianne and Roland take a journey many may wish they could. The author has given them the opportunity to test and realize how their life trajectories may be different given different circumstances. The play offers no resolution of one approach or another being better. It does, however, offer the opportunity to sense and appreciate how easily change can occur.
In its Dare to Dream season, with Constellations, the Rubicon reaches new heights in its quest to educate, engage and spur conversation. The Wednesday evening performance offers a talk-back with the actors at its conclusion, where the audience can participate in exploring the piece further by asking the actors to share their views on the journey. It is well worth the experience. Catch one of the last performances if you can.
The production closes with a matinee performance this Sunday, March 9. Seats are available for the Wednesday 2:00 matinee and 7:00 performance, Thursday, and Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. (NOTE earlier curtain time for this run), Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Contact the Rubicon at (805)667-2900 or www.rubicontheatre.org to get your seat.
