REVIEW: ‘Seminar’ at Fresno State is smart, honest, and hurts so good
By Heather Parish
Two writers walk into a theater to watch a play about a misanthropic writer eviscerating the work of other writers. There’s a joke in there somewhere, and the word masochism is likely in the punchline. Yet there I was, with my writerly husband, watching Fresno State’s “Seminar,” and sinking my teeth into every literary thrust and parry.
In Theresa Rebeck’s “Seminar” (running through Dec. 9 at the John Wright Theatre, provided the power stays on!), four young writers in New York test their mettle against the criticism of their seminar instructor, Leonard, who happens to be committed to radical candor. Learning to withstand criticism from mentors, teachers, peers, and (yes) reviewers is an essential skill for a life in the arts, one that Leonard (Terry Lewis) is determined to arm Kate, Izzy, Douglas, and Martin with.
Related story: FOR ‘SEMINAR’ DIRECTOR BRAD MYERS, ART IMITATES LIFE IN A TALE OF CREATIVE URGENCY AT FRESNO STATE
Director Brad Myers delivers a tight and witty ensemble piece that touches on many themes of the artistic life (criticism, pretense, opportunism, crippling self-doubt, to name just a few), while keeping the flinty linguistic comedy rolling across the surface. The set, designed by Rene Nielson) builds out the world of its inhabitants without overpowering it. Books and desks are ever present, surrounding the writers in a way that can seem like a cozy cottage or a fortress, depending upon the scene being played.
“Seminar” is fueled by the characters more than the plot, and a lot of the plot is done in shorthand because no one wants to sit there while everyone reads a story on stage. It runs on sitcom logic to get this streamlined play in under 90 minutes. The characters also start out as sitcom types, but several deft performances flesh them out in exciting ways. I saw the Ginsburg cast perform on Saturday night, but I suspect the Kerouac cast will be equally satisfying to watch, given Myers’ direction.
Izzy (Paulina D. Marin-Contreras) and Douglas (Grant Hill) are the two pragmatists of the group, although they go about it in different ways. Douglas opens the show, pretentiously dropping all of the literary buzzwords of the day without attaching any real meaning to them. He knows he has talent but sees no problem using his family name and connections to get ahead. That Hill manages to make the character a charmer is a bonus. Marin-Contreras’ Izzy is blatant about her willingness to use sex to make connections and to titillate friend and foe alike.
Kate (Marikah Christine Leal) and Martin (Carlos Oliviera Sanchez) are the two trying to navigate who they are as writers, wrestling with confidence and artistic relevance. Between them, issues of class, gender, and artistic integrity are at the forefront. Sanchez’ Martin excels at the defensive swipe that overlays fear and burgeoning resentments. Leal’s Kate is simultaneously fragile and fierce, making her the one poised to learn the most from Leonard’s lessons.
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As Leonard, Lewis gives a compelling turn as a Hemingway wannabe wrestling with his own hard luck and failures, yet committed to helping the next generation of writers get honest with themselves in a way he could not at their age. This is a play of showstopping linguistic skill, and the two monologues Lewis delivers pointedly add up the cost of living a writer’s life. Leonard’s radical honesty may not be tempered with grace or generosity, but it might forge the armor these writers need to withstand the most brutal battle they will fight—with themselves.
“Seminar” is a comedy for people who love language and literature and are fascinated by how artists do what they do.
Note: This production is double cast.
Kerouac Cast: Lindsay Anton, Jimmy Haynie, Quincy Maxwell, Paris Richards perform Dec. 1, 3, 6, and 8.
Ginsburg Cast: Grant Hill, Marikah Christine Leal, Paulina Marin-Contreras Carlos Sanchez, perform Dec. 2, 5, 7, and 9.
Terry Lewis will perform as Leonard on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Chase Stubblefield will perform as Leonard on Dec. 5.
Heather Parish is a recovering thespian and cheery misanthrope who still believes that theater is one of the best means of living an examined life. @heatherdparish on Instagram.
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Mary
Speaking of excellence in writing, this review is so well-crafted. Such command of the language would surely gain accolades from even Leonard.