By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Theatre Critic
“Write what you know” is common advice to writers, even writers of fiction. Though his characters are pure fiction, well-known La Jolla screenwriter and playwright Stephen Metcalfe got the core idea for his world premiere play, “The Tragedy of the Commons,” from reality. Some time ago a gargantuan home was built in La Jolla Shores, effectively blocking the views of numerous homeowners who’d enjoyed their own personal sunsets for decades. Then he came across scientist Garrett Hardin’s 1968 tragedy of the commons theory, which postulates that when individuals act in self-serving ways and ignore what is best for the common good, damage and even destruction of the “commons” occurs. Examples include over-fishing, the extinction of species, and the destruction of rain forests.
Metcalfe’s protagonist, Dakin Adams (Jim Winker), is a 60-year-old former schoolteacher who occupies himself with a daily philosophical blog titled “Notes from Zone 10,” which he sends to former students and colleagues, family and friends. Dakin’s wife, Macy (Veronica Murphy), occupies herself with gardening and long walks with the couple’s two big dogs. Despite a recent, grievous loss, the couple apparently is working it out.
Dakin’s carefully tended, ritual equilibrium is undermined when next-door neighbor Carl (Tim West) announces the sale of their home. Dakin fears that Diane (Monique Gaffney), the new owner, will raze her house and build up. When his fears prove true, Dakin spends time in conversation with his and Macy’s eldest son, businessman Spencer (Francis Gercke), and in consultation with their second son, Alan (Manny Fernandes), an attorney. Despite counsel and the tender ministrations of Macy, nothing can be done, and eventually Dakin finds a solution in what might be termed a courageous rite of self-purification.
“The Tragedy of the Commons,” which is laced with local references and humor throughout, belongs to Winker, an associate artist of the Old Globe Theatre and a respected classical actor and teacher (University of California, San Diego). His performance is magnificent, eloquent and subdued and though Dakin is not as immense as Lear, Winker’s performance makes the man every bit as heart breaking.
As always, Metcalfe’s characters are affectingly flawed and human. We care what happens to them (he is author of “Strange Snow,” which became the film “Jacknife” and “Vikings,” both produced by the Old Globe, among many others). Following “Jacknife,” [sic] Metcalfe worked in Hollywood for years, adapting novels and fixing screenplays originally written by others. Now he has returned to writing plays, for which we are grateful because we can see the fruits of his labor up close and on a devastatingly personal level.
As always, Cygnet’s production values are exemplary, beginning with the sensitivity of Artistic Director Sean Murray’s staging and continuing with the airy set by Sean Fanning, beautifully lighted by Shawna Cadence and given flavor by George Yé’s original music and sound design. Corey Johnston’s costumes are exceptionally elegant, especially for Macy (casual) and Spencer (a three-piece business suit to die for).
Details:
“The Tragedy of the Commons” continues at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 pm Saturdays, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays through February 20 at Cygnet Theatre at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, San Diego, $24-$54, cygnettheatre.com or 337-1525.
