The Dig

Renaissance Theaterworks is certainly known for its provoking plays that quite often challenge standards set by society. Their first show of 2009 certainly falls into these categories. Written by Resident Playwright Marie Kohler, The Dig explores the relationship between a brother and sister from childhood to their adult lives. It also sifts through the interconnection between past and present through the veil of mental illness.

Mattie idolizes her older brother, Jamie. When Jamie marries and begins work on an archaeological dig in Lebanon that prompts his struggle with Schizophrenia, their relationship is forever changed. Over time, Mattie becomes responsible for Jamie and his well being. The ownership of an artifact that Jamie discovered becomes contested and the government wants to question Jamie on the validity of his find. Mattie tries her best to keep the questions from Jamie by traveling the country trying to find answers about the vase and also about her brother’s slide into mental illness. She learns not only about her brother’s past but also re-discovers her own from a new perspective.

Kohler’s play hits on the hot topics of repatriation of archaeological artifacts and mental illness. The perception of both is undergoing a societal shift and Kohler illustrates these changes in The Dig. Mattie’s attitude towards her adult brother who speaks only in rhymes and cannot answer a direct question moves from exasperation and near-condescension to a kinder understanding and patience. Kohler also hints at the sanctioned looting practiced by American archaeologists until recently.

Catherine Lynn Davis as Mattie is passionate as the sister who watches her brother unravel until he is incapable of living a ‘regular’ life. Mattie is often frantic and Davis seemed to have trouble connecting with others as a result of the hasty pace of many scenes, but when Davis was permitted to slow down her character discovery was lovely.

Brian Mani, playing the older version of Jamie, gave an incredible amount of dignity to a man participating in the world with schizophrenia. Jamie only speaks in nursery rhymes and this character could be played flippantly, but Mani makes Jamie’s world make sense even if it isn’t quite the one most people live in. VS

The Dig runs through February 8 in the Broadway Theater Center’s Studio Theater. For more information call the box office at 414.291.7800 or visit www.r-t-w.com.