Now Or Later

Play (2008)
by Christopher Shinn

October 12 – November 10, 2012

It is the night of a presidential election in the United States and John, Jr., son of one of the candidates, has done something controversial at his college campus. This is causing some serious concern on the part of the candidate and his senior staff and they each, in one way or another, prevail upon John, Jr. to apologize. But John, Jr. comes with a history of personal issues, a sense of rectitude and a strong will to back it up, and is not so easily convinced.

This entertaining and word-filled election drama is perfect for the season. Though written during the 2008 elections, it is current and relevant, bringing up issues of contemporary topical interest.

Largely a play of moral arguments, it contains able articulations of the opposing positions, though, at certain points, one feels that the arguments get a bit too heavily retraced. In holding to his position, John, Jr. is forced to pony up defenses against each member of his father’s staff, and against each of his parents. After a few iterations, we feel that we know enough of the argument to move on.

But the play remains quite fast-paced. The two staff members and the parents all are quite different in temperament and style and so their presentations, at least, vary the tenor of the similar arguments.

John, Jr.’s pal, Matt, is a welcome alternative presence who serves as his interlocutor from a more progressive political perspective.

The play deals with the intersection of personal histories and political destinies in this almost-first family and reminds us well how little we get to see of the inner workings of political clans.

Though well written, artfully constructed, well directed and acted, I had the feeling after all was said and done that the dramatic linchpin relied up something not quite believable. The expectation for John Jr. to apologize about his controversial behavior, and his resistance to do so, provides the dramatic edge. But, in the end, despite the narrative’s underlying explanations, that does not seem like political reality, yielding a sense that the play’s drama is a tempest conjured up in a teapot.

Despite that, this compact and well-executed play, especially for this election season, is a stimulating political drama with thoughtfully-rendered familial dimensions.

– BADMan