‘By the Waters of Babylon’ offers romantic, redemptive journey
There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “Life begins the day you start a garden.”
And though Robert Schenkkan’s soulful drama “By the Waters of Babylon” spends much of its time digging into the complicated pasts of its central characters, there’s a wonderful sense of rebirth that also takes root along the way.
A versatile writer for both the stage and screen, Schenkkan received the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for “The Kentucky Cycle,” and his drama “All the Way” earned the 2014 Tony Award. “Babylon” premiered back in 2005 at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and employs much of the mythical and metaphorical imagery for which he is known.
As the play opens, we meet Catherine (Corrie Miller) — an awkward and embittered widow, who hires the handsome Cuban gardener Arturo (René Millán) to help restore order to her long-neglected back yard. After a somewhat stilted beginning — and several mojitos — the two discover a dark kinship borne of tragedy and survivor’s guilt.
Act I is particularly intriguing (if a bit wordy), as Arturo reveals his previous life as a writer in Cuba, his terrifying journey to the United States and an unmistakable longing for his beloved homeland. Act II centers on Catherine’s painful past, but takes a rather unexpected turn that threatens to derail the couple’s shared catharsis — as well as the play’s dramatic arc.
Schenkkan demonstrates a lovely lyrical style, to be sure. But like Catherine, he seems uncomfortable with silence. And there’s a tendency to tell the audience what it might better enjoy discovering on its own.
Still, director Maryanna Clarke navigates these somewhat abrupt shifts in tone, maintaining a steady pace throughout. And Miller and Millán are fascinating to watch, keeping the audience engrossed even amidst the play’s imaginative conclusion.
As Arturo, Millán shows nice restraint in the play’s opening scenes, which makes his tortured emotional outburst all the more satisfying. Likewise, Miller makes a believable transformation from brittle shrew to one worthy of love and redemption. The two share a potent chemistry — whether debating politics or engaging in an impromptu dance lesson.
Kristin James’ overgrown garden and straightforward bedroom sets help ground the piece, while Tory Adcock’s atmospheric lighting and Chris Clarke’s sound play up dreamier elements. The opening night performance suffered a few technical glitches, but nothing that can’t be resolved as the run continues.
Haunting and romantic, “By the Waters of Babylon” marks another thoughtful production for Tennessee Women’s Theater Project.
If you go
What: Tennessee Women’s Theater Project presents “By the Waters of Babylon”
When: Through Oct. 19. Performances at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays-Saturdays; Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Z. Alexander Looby Theater, 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville
Tickets: $12-15 ($10 on Thursdays)
Contact: twtp.org
Note: Adult language and situations; not recommended for children.
If you go
What: Tennessee Women’s Theater Project presents “By the Waters of Babylon”
When: Through Oct. 19. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Z. Alexander Looby Theater, 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville
Tickets: $12-$15 ($10 on Thursdays)
Contact: twtp.org
Note: Adult language and situations; not recommended for children.