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NoHo LA Formerly the NOHO News Thursday, October 11, 2001

Our Own Dear Anton's Abandoned Story Cycle
by Don Grigware

One hundred years after Anton Chekhov abandoned his story cycle, writer Joseph Skibell decided that its two narators Ivan and Burkin should pick up their lives where Chekhov had left them and move foward. For lovers of Chekhov the production of Our Own Dear Anton's Abandoned Story Cycle is a must, for there is and abundance of wit plus many intelligent ruminations that fit the Chekhovian style.
Ivan and Burkin, as played by William H. Bassett and Richard Kuhlmann, along with Michael Albala as Vladimir, win over the audience with their charm and easy-going manner. Make no mistake about it, these fellows are clowns and they have a ball putting on a show. As a matter of fact, for awhile it appears as if the goings-on are a part of one giant improv (the time: tonight; the place :this theatre) and that the story-telling is secondary.
In both narratives and asides, there is no shortage of philosophical commentary. Burkin, a high school teacher and Ivan, a veterinarian and surgeon, feel awkward, being stranded between leaving (Chekhov) and returning (Skibell). There was no climax, no closure. As time has progressed, we humans know less and less about the world. We interfere with one another, making life more miserable instead of happy. Then, we blame God,

instead of accepting responsibility. Freedom is still hailed as a blessing and love remains a great mystery. Even Jung is alluded to, whereby love projected onto another is really man's falling in love with his own soul.
The boys make merry playing the women's roles and relish the low of motherhood and feminine sexual wiles. They also poke fun at abridging important events. A man's very life is reduced to "a series of things that happened to him until he died." Or, as they playfully put it, nouns verbed.
In Chekhov's time, a writer who failed to finish a novel was referred to as a failed novelist. Chekhov died of TB and was unable to complete his, so our modern view is that he was not a failure. Franz Kafka and Raymond Carver, since Chekhov's time, both died of lung dieases and did not complete their novels. There are more cases. Where it all ends, nobody knows. The best advice is : "Don't despair!" or better still "Never give a man a weapon before he learns to dance." We are encouraged to enjoy the moment, and Skibell supplies laughter aplenty here.
The vivacious director of this piece Virginia Morris loves Skilbell's sureal sense of humor and so will you! Miss Morris acclaims: "He is one of those rare playwritghts who make you see the Universe differently when you leave the theatre." He has finished a novel, by the way.

Raven Playhouse 5233 Lankershim Bkvd, NoHo 323-478-1337, Thurs- Sat. 8pm, Sun 7pm thru Oct 28.