Camp David. An historic event, represented majestically on the stage
By Alejandra Enciso
This piece had its world premiere at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage in 2014 and was presented in a special reading by its original cast, in June 2016 as part of Carter Center Weekend in Vail, Colorado. Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright (The Looming Tower,HBO’s Going Clear) brings a tough story staged just right. An hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission that go by quickly yet, remains full of suspense. Bravo for Molly Smith’s brilliant direction reflected on the stage. You have basically a four person cast in which, three, are men. Solid, balanced performances between Richard Thomas as Jimmy Carter, Khaled Nabawy as Anwar Sadat, and Ned Eisenberg as Menachem Begin. Definitely the cherry on top, is Hallie Foote as Rosalynn Carter. It has been said that the first lady had a lot to contribute to Camp David’s successful outcome. Foote’s interventions along the plot, are sassy and perfect. It is a nice break from the suspense that we are living, as we watch two presidents and a prime minister defend their interests regarding each country.
Thomas as Jimmy Carter is outgoing and very -very- funny. Even his skin color changed to red every time he laughed. Ned Eisenberg as Menachem Begin is phenomenal. There are traces during the play, that I appreciated very much in which both Ned and Richard walk down the stage along their lines, just inches away from the audience. Total masterpiece right then and there. Props to them and their level of concentration!
Being that Israel, Egypt and the United States were in such delicate -talks- the script points out various stereotypes involving the countries. There is a point in the piece where Begin yells to Carter, “They only understand violence!” in regards to Sadat. Then, when reviewing Israel’s conditions to sign the agreement, Anwar denotes something like “He wants everything for himself, typical Jew”. And, even though I am not familiar with this moment in US history, having been raised in Mexico, and definitely did not having read enough about it, there were parts in Camp David where, I really became frustrated/agitated with Menachem Begin’s demands and inflexibility. At the same time, I became empathetic and understood the weight this man had on his shoulders. All three of them actually. This, is an excellent piece of work. Khaled Nabawy is stoic, the class, the CLASS with which the lines are delivered, that alone, deserves a standing ovation.
A very moving, strong and well crafted play. Walt Spangler’s set design, recreating pieces of the Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland, is just delicious. I have to mention the traces again and Molly Smith’s hand along with Susan R. White, Production Stage Manager, Peter Van Dyke, Stage Manager and Chandra R. M. Anthenill Assistant Stage Manager. The way they all -glide- along the stage and that golf cart! I will definitely not explain the role of the cart. You have to see it for yourself.
Be sure to look at the photos from the real events in the lobby. A must.
Camp David is currently playing at The Donald and Darlene Shirley Stage until June 19th
For more information regarding show times and surrounding activities, please click HERE.
