Elephants’ Graveyard
by Marjorie Williamson
Directed by Rob Corbett
First Run Theatre
November 16, 2024
Jan Meyer, Gwrynneth Rausch
Photo by John C. Lamb
First Run Theatre
First Run’s latest premiere production, by local playwright Marjorie Williamson, takes on some serious subject matter and packages it in the form of relatable characters, especially for viewers of the Baby Boom generation. Elephants’ Graveyard focuses on two longtime friends with contrasting personalities, well-played by a pair of excellent local performers and featuring impressive production values for their small space. It’s a story that will provoke much in the way of thought and discussion about issues of life, death, friendship, and personal connection.
Although many of the issues dealt with here are universal, the theme here is very much Boomer-focused, using songs that people who came of age in the late 1960s would resonate with by artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and more. The characters–longtime friends Smitty (Jan Meyer) and Margaret (Gwynneth Rausch)–also talk much about their experiences in their younger years such as attending Woodstock, participating in Vietnam war protests and the sexual revolution, among other things. The two are both in their 70s and have much to look back on in their lives, but they are not sure what they will be able to look forward to. The more outgoing, well-traveled, amorously adventurous Smitty talks about not having the energy to live the life she’s had before, while the more “conventional” Margaret has recently lost her husband and is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Margaret has lived a life full of family, friends, and obligations to others, while Smitty has lived more of a carefree adventurous life with few long-term attachments. Their friendship has endured despite their differences, and they both enjoy their regular “tea parties” at Smitty’s place, where they talk, reminisce, and drink. It soon becomes obvious, though, that the generally upbeat Margaret isn’t as well as she has been letting on, and Smitty has to deal with the very real prospect of losing her closest friend, while both women take stock of their lives and try to figure out what’s really important to both of them.
This is an intriguing story, and the characters are well-defined and engaging, although there isn’t much in the way of action. Most of the story is the two women sitting at a table and talking, although there’s much to talk about and, especially as presented by these two talented performers, it never gets boring. There are some moral dilemmas presented and much to think about in terms of end-of-life issues as well as the idea of what constitutes a life well lived. It’s alternately funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and poignant.
The connection between the friends is the highlight of the production, with richly portrayed characterizations by the excellent Meyer and Rausch, who both manage to convey many layers to their characters and motivations. The connection between the two is strong, and both have strong presence and energy. Rausch does a commendable job portraying a believable arc for Margaret, and Meyer gives Smitty a believable mix of cynicism and worldliness. This is a character-driven play, and the casting is essential to make it work. This production has hit a home run in that department.
The set, by director Rob Corbett, is impressively detailed, becoming something of a character in itself and reflecting Smitty’s personality and the changes in the seasons and the characters’ situations with remarkable clarity. There’s also excellent work from lighting designer Nathan Schroeder and sound designer Jenn Ciaverella in setting and maintaining the overall atmosphere and reflecting the characters, who are also impressively outfitted by costume designer Tracey Ann Newcomb in ways that reflect their personalities and character arcs.
There’s some difficult and occasionally intense subject matter here, dealing with sensitive and sometimes controversial issues revolving around illness, death, and reflections on personal life choices and relationships. It’s sure to provoke much in the way of thought and discussion. It’s well worth seeing for the strongly realized performances, and should be relatable especially to Boomers and those who are close to them. It’s an intriguing, promising new work given a strong production from First Run Theatre.
First Run Theatre is presenting Elephants’ Graveyard at the Kranzberg Arts Center until November 24, 2024
