“Class”: An Advanced Course

By G. S. Morales
For the Real Critics Blog

Watching actors transcend memorized conversations and rehearsed behaviors to face the peril and promise that a great script can provide is not just thrilling, it’s the greatest purpose of live theatre.

Indeed, when an actor can lose himself, can break free from fear and self-awareness, he in turn enables us to abandon our own self-imposed mental and emotional reservations, to confront the hidden truths that define our lives. Even with the fluffier forms of performance art, deep down that’s what we are paying to see: dangerous discovery, from the vicarious comfort of our padded chairs – that is, when the performers and company are up to the challenge.

3 Theatre Group is willing and capable, yet again, with subtle, soulful performances in their west cost premiere of Charles Evered’s “Class.” Painfully moving and at times intensely funny, this two-person, proudly Grotowskian production accomplishes more in a tiny black box than others are capable of, even with their grandiose movable sets, full spectrum of colored lights and fully-paid twelve-piece orchestra. For it is there, beneath all the misdirection, that the truth of the human spirit resides, the spark for which entertainment exists; and when a company makes that spark their aim, they are capable of creating a truly powerful fire.

Such is the case with director Robin Russin’s beautifully crafted sophomore effort with 3TG. Adroit pacing and refined portrayals from actors Paul Jacques and Melissa Kirk will surely make this one of the best IE theatre productions of 2011. The actors’ believable, well-timed exchanges range from knee-slapping funny to tear-wiping morose and are a cathartic joy to behold. Jacques, an award-winning writer/director/producer proves why he deserves such laurels – because he can step on the stage and bring it. As with his heart-rending turn in last season’s 3TG production of Evered’s period piece “Celadine,” Jacques gives a layered, impressively naturalistic performance that puts him in a near-peerless class of local actors. I love watching this man work. His shows should be required attendance for his many theatre students; for in watching Jacques do his thing, they’d be able to write lengthy dissertations about the power and soul-changing nature of the art. Moreover, Kirk’s not-so-ditzy starlet-turned-thespian plays well against Jacques’ burn-out acting coach. Her earnestness humanizes the character, making her both endearing and intriguing.

This weekend 3 Theatre's "Class" gives you an opportunity for true aesthetic sustenance. So please consider your health, and don’t fall for the glitzy packaging and empty promises that the fast franchises sling.