Digging up 'Ancient History' in the Pool

“Paradise.”

“Aaaaaabsolutely.”

“Paradise.”

“Aaaaaabsolutely.”

Beginning unassumingly, with the two characters laying in bed, Ancient History is a play that asks what exactly comprises the ideal relationship and demonstrates how even the most perfect romantic utopia can fall apart within minutes. Presented by the Adams House Theater Society, Ancient History mixes the genres of drama and comedy into one.

The show’s two characters, Ruth Pinkerstien (Lauren M. Winkler ’01) and Jack Savonarola (Tim B. Urban ’04), are thirty-somethings living in New York City, going about their lives and enjoying being in love with one another. The play takes place entirely within the space of one day in the confines of Ruth’s bedroom. Her birthday is the catalyst that prompts them to take a long hard look at their relationship, plagued with difficulties, and come to terms with their future. Ruth is a conservative Jewish girl who hopes to get married and settle down soon, like the rest of her friends. Jack is a loner, a Catholic who has already been married once and is not looking to be “tortured” again.

Ancient History’s greatest strength is the upfront manner with which it addresses religious beliefs and their compatibility in marriage, commitment to another person and, of course, sex. Some of the early scenes are a bit shocking (e.g. the extensive discussion of crabs (as in the STD) and the use of ethnic/religious slurs), but the frankness established early on lends itself to the discussions of touchy issues that come later in the play. The humor is another asset, for the serious issues are balanced by the comedy that pervades the show. Ruth and Jack are masters of biting sarcasm, making fun of intellectualism, religion, commitment and marriage.

Particularly memorable is Jack’s attempt to convince Ruth to have a quickie before hosting a party. Though she initially agrees, the arrival of guests (as indicated by the ringing of a doorbell) convinces her that fate has spoken against them. In desperation, Jack decides to use the old distract-and-attack method; he points somewhere and shouts, “Look!” The ploy works, but since Jack is on the other side of the bed from Ruth, he is forced to execute a flying dive in an attempt to grasp her in his arms. The attempt fails and he lands on the bed in frustration.

In seeking to analyze the nature of relationships from both the male and female perspective, Ancient History fails to bring any new and interesting ideas to the debate. It does however, manage to present the age-old dilemmas in new and often humorous ways. Ruth is the bread-winner in the relationship and is disappointed with Jack’s small paycheck and his lack of ambition. Jack, however, is happy with his job as a math teacher and is not looking to increase the size of his bank account. They also discuss the very Seinfeldesque idea of not totally committing to a relationship and “keeping someone on the side.” Central to their debate is the issue of religious affiliation and the compatibility of their morals and customs which includes the frequent use of use of stereotypes and slurs, providing copious subject material for jokes.

The converted swimming facility of the Adams Pool Theater lends an antiquated and cozy atmosphere to Ancient History. Since all the action is based inside Ruth’s bedroom, the theater space itself helps to make the room seem more homey and comfortable contributing to the plausibility of the ensuing events. Furthermore, the costumes are impressive, they managing to convey nudity without actually revealing anything that would make for an R-rated performance. Occasionally, sound effects and self-conscious thearicality detract from the strength of the performance. Flashbacks introduced by the sound of a ringing phone occasionally become confusing, when at times the ringing indicated a phone call, and sometimes even seems to be ringing for no reason. Also, there are moments in the play, such as when Ruth and Jack are having a major blow-out, in which the actors remain far apart. This occasionally diminishes the power behind the emotion, leaving the acting a little flat.

Despite such technical difficulties, Winkler and Urban deliver excellent performances. Throughout the production, it is easy to believe that they are actually Ruth and Jack, conveying both passion and sorrow with equal aplomb. Despite some of the setbacks caused by staging and effects, or the confusion created by the flashbacks, Ancient History is an enjoyable chronicle of one ill-fated relationship. The subject matter often rings true. In general, this play is a superb effort by the cast and crew, leaving the audience with one important truth: “Hell is remembering other people.”