By Terry Tang
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
With Pentium III, laptops and all things Microsoft simplifying
and guiding our everyday lives, it’s difficult for most
people to see computers as the enemy of human existence. But for
city librarian Alan Mendelssohn (played by
“Seinfeld”’s Jason Alexander), a war has to be
waged before another piece of the human record falls casualty
““ the card catalogue.
While most people see these index cards as ancient artifacts and
tend to ask “Dewey who?,” Alan refuses to let the files
go without a fight. With explosives rigged at every nook and
cranny, the quiet book lover threatens to blow up the library and
himself with it in the newest play at the Geffen Playhouse,
“Defiled.”
From a distance, he could be brushed aside as a nut case who
doesn’t see the importance of progress. In playwright Lee
Kalcheim’s enthralling and humorous narrative, however, Alan
is a harmless, idealistic guy who makes a lot of intelligent
points.
The play’s real battle begins when authorities send in
Detective Brian Dickey, an honest, by-the-book police negotiator
(played by Peter Falk, aka Columbo). In his attempt to lure Alan
out of the library in one piece, Dickey befriends and listens to
him with respect. Though Alan declares that negotiation is not an
option, he gradually confides in the officer about why these cards
matter so much.
Although Dickey hopes to simply make it to retirement without
any fatalities, he begins to feel a special affinity for Alan.
“Defiled” consistently keeps the audience
entertained, thanks to the stage compatibility of its stars. While
their status as TV icons may eclipse any theatrical appeal, both
Alexander and Falk have eons of theater experience between them.
The likable actors transcend the small screen to infect the stage,
as well. Thus, it is hardly a chore to watch the two men go at it
comically and dramatically. But the moments when humor is used to
relieve tension are much more enjoyable.
As Alan, Alexander brings a similar degree of haplessness and
neuroses that you would find in George Costanza. But here, the
nerdy everyman unleashes a passionate side of himself. Though the
cause may seem silly at first, Alexander conveys Alan’s sense
of urgency with depth, making the audience understand the
difference between a library and a building that simply houses
books.
Still, the “Seinfeld” alum’s charm lies in his
comedic timing. He knows how to deliver lines like a pitcher who
can throw out the fast and curve balls. When poor Mendelssohn talks
about how his collie Dennis is the only faithful companion in his
life, you can’t help but laugh. At the same time, you wish
someone would reach out to him.
It is certainly easy to see why Peter Falk was cast. His
endearing Dickey seems like the long-lost brother of his Lt.
Columbo persona, without the cigar. Both characters, honorable and
top-notch sleuths, use everything but guns to try to resolve a
case.
Still, Falk gets to exhibit his knack for comedy as well. The
veteran actor can elicit numerous chuckles just by sending a
bemused facial expression Alexander’s way. Except for the
need for louder voice projection at times, Falk fares well in
scenes where he vents pent-up frustration and compassion to
Alan.
Besides its two-member ensemble, the play’s themes serve
as a wise reminder about the ever-evolving tug-of-war between the
sterility of machines and the personal touch of man.
Alan’s obsession shows what these oh-so-precious catalogue
cards have that computers don’t: human intellect. By letting
people take short-cuts to finding books, the computerized files
symbolize a pattern of dumbing-down everything for humans.
Alan’s genuine fear that impersonal computerized files are
just another nail in the coffin of human interaction seems valid.
There is a danger of people becoming “undereducated and
over-entertained.”
Even without the charming performances of its two leading men,
“Defiled” would stand on its own. Although the finale
is a little over-the-top, theatergoers will come away feeling more
aware and not dumbed-down. Alan would be proud.
THEATER: “Defiled” is now playing at the Geffen
Playhouse through July 2. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $42. Student rush tickets are $10.
For more information, call (310) 208-5454.