The Man from Earth

When explaining why he is leaving his job, John Oldman reveals he has lived through all human history. While his friends attempt to prove or disprove his story the text meanders through art history, the rise and fall of civilizations, biology, religion, politics, psychiatry, relationships and loss.

The resources of this company were fully extended to present this play and there are some quite uncomfortable directorial decisions. The ‘lecherous professor’ (Ricky Frost) distractingly, overtly and needlessly fondles his female student, and a solid amount of the dialogue seems to be delivered directly to the audience because of actor placement and the size of the theatre

The choice to play John Oldman (Sam Zawadi) as resigned and distant diminishes his emotional range and attraction. The rest of the ensemble have moments to drive the narrative and they carry the various turns of the dialogue. Dan (David Hill) and Linda (Vasilki Kalafats) stood out as well delivered, strong characters.

The stage design (David Hill and Mark Stratford) contributed although having an unneeded kitchen cabinet restricted space on the stage and the wood and cellophane fire doesn’t work. The sound (Celine Khoury) and lighting design, (Dane Travors), played an essential part in introducing new characters, defining spaces and setting the mood of various episodes of the play.

This is a text which deserves many interpretations and The Thespian Theatre Company has attempted an interesting take on it.

Ruth Richter