``THE HALF-LIFE CONSPIRACY'' -- Charles
Deemer's 1983 play, revived at Firehouse Theater, is a taut and
explosive comic drama that balances amusing soap-opera situations with
serious reflections about maleness and aggression.
To Deemer
there's a vital link between the hyperthyroid dramas of private life
and the international gamesmanship that has led us to the brink of
nuclear war. Can people step back and rethink the philosophical boxes
they've trapped themselves in?
``Half-Life'' 's points are made
within the framework of a funny and sometimes deeply touching backstage
drama about a Portland amateur theater troupe that presents a one-act
play about sexual conflict after a Soviet nuclear bombing of Seattle.
David Heath is a goading comic presence as the acerbic playwright, and
he receives fine ensemble support in director Julie Akers' lively and
provocatively rude production.
``The
Half-
Life Conspiracy'' continues at 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays at Firehouse Theater, 1436 S.W. Montgomery St. Tickets are $6-$8.50. Call 280-6592.
Photo by MARC VISNICK.
Ex-marrieds Patricia Blem and David Heath take up the battle again at
Firehouse.
Edition: Fourth
Section: Arts And Entertainment
Page: F21
Column: CRITIC'S CHOICE
Copyright (c) 1989 Oregonian Publishing Co.
Record Number: 8902020464