Jeff Cummings, Linda Gillum/Photo: Johnny Knight
RECOMMENDED
Journalistic integrity and the democratization of the media are the main sticking points in Tom Stoppard’s 1978 play about British war correspondents in war-torn Africa. Although certain technological advancements and the rise of the blogosphere and iReporting have altered the very nature of journalism, in the main decentralized, free media outlets are increasingly sucking power and influence from the giant corporations. These issues and questions of objectivity, truth and democracy are meaty ones, and this production does not shy away from them. There are rumblings of an impending coup in a fictional African nation, and Stoppard’s journalists fight to get the scoop on one another. Young, idealistic Milne fights for capital-T Truth, while seasoned vet Wagner mainly wishes to preserve the dignity of his profession, scheming any way he can. “Night and Day” finds lovely expression by Remy Bumppo; Stoppard’s absurdly gorgeous language seems so natural in the mouths of the strong ensemble cast. Especially noteworthy is artistic associate Linda Gillum, who has the tricky job of winning you over with her melodramatic, Hollywood scene-chewing; I promise, it builds to something. And the kid is adorable. (Neal Ryan Shaw)
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 North Lincoln, (773)404-7336, through October 31.
