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Human Race play has up, down sides
The press of current events can make the 2003 invasion of Iraq seem like a long time ago. The dialogue-rich 2006 David Hare play “The Vertical Hour,” which deals in part with opposing views of that conflict, delivers a reminder of the debate that quickly surrounded it.
The Human Race Theatre Company will present it in the Eichelberger Loft Series Friday, Jan. 29, through Feb. 14.
Artistic director Marsha Hanna is staging the drama, which features Bruce Cromer as Oliver, an English physician who is opposed to the war, and Kathy McCafferty as Nadia, a former war correspondent-turned Yale professor who supports the occupation.
The play stirs the pot with several other conflicts — male vs. female, generation vs. generation, British vs. American and public life vs. private life, with a touch of romantic rivalry sprinkled in as well.
The cast also includes Todd Lawson as Philip, who is Nadia’s boyfriend and Oliver’s son; plus Jasmine Batchelor and Trevor Day. Set design is by Mark Halpin, costumes by Laine June Marr and lighting by John Rensel.
English writer Hare is prolific. He has penned more than two dozen plays, but “The Vertical Hour” may be the first local production of one of them.
His other works include: “Plenty” (1978), “A Map of the World” (’82), “Racing Demon” (’90), “Skylight” (’95), “Amy’s View” (’97), “The Blue Room,” “The Judas Kiss” and “Via Dolorosa” (all 1998), and “Gethsemane” (’08).
The title “The Vertical Hour” refers to a phrase in combat medicine that describes the moment when intervention can help someone who has been injured.
Tickets are $15.50-$36 at (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com. The Loft is located at 126 N. Main St.
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