The Nature of Want
Article by Kristen Schweizer
In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was punished for self-aggrandizing craftiness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a large hill. When he reached the top each time, the boulder rolled back down and he repeated this action for eternity. The futility was unbearable, yet he could never stop. This is what came to mind when watching The Last Match.
“We have these myths, they control who we are.”
The line is spat during the heat of the U.S. Open tennis semifinals. Russian phenom Sergei Sergeyev (a consistent Alex Mickiewic) is taking on a five-time champion Tim Porter (SAG-nominated Patrick J. Adams). The veteran player comes standard with all the fame and pomp America bestows on such winners; the scrappy underdog has all the passion a spectator sport requires. The volley of dialogue takes place in the round as the men’s lives unfold with each set. The Old Globe presents The Last Match, a world premiere play by Anna Ziegler.
The heavy lifting for this witty production was done early. Ziegler’s razor sharp wit, juxtaposition of Russian and American cultures, and game-set-match format is a killer script certain to please audiences in the round across the country for seasons to come. The four person cast blooms thanks to the flashbacks with the players’ complicated women, played by the authentic, present Troian Bellisario and a hysterical Natalia Payne. Casting deserves its own standing ovation in Adams, who managed the occasional, too astute monologue with the sincerity of the first time (I suppose we can thank five seasons of Suits for that).
The play follows the back and forth nature of the sport, with the four strong-willed characters attempting to answer the question of lasting happiness. Like Sisyphus, these world-class athletes have dedicated their lives to winning only to realize they are trapped by the requirement of continuing to do so. Despite successes and moments of happiness, there is always another match or ugly surprise. Another player or sudden illness. Another want, another obstacle. This is the nature of wanting. But, as Sergei asks the audience, “How do you get to the bottom of wanting?”
Are humans like sharks – creatures who die if they stay still? Must we strive for new purpose after each achievement, must we get better until we die? Do we need to provide the world a child or a high achieving legacy or at least a triumphant story to justify our worth? Perhaps, as the script asks: “maybe then we can feel like we aren’t just ramping up to something.”
The monologue writing is excellent. The chemistry between couples is electric. The costumes are detailed all the way down to Galida’s white pedicure. Performances began February 13 and it will run through March 13, 2016 at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. This 90-minute show has no intermission. For more information visit: http://www.theoldglobe.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=12006
