July 10, 2002
San Francisco Mime Troupe's 'Mr. Smith Goes to Obskuristan'
Since it is known for
its political lampoons of current events, it's not surprising that the
San Francisco Mime Troupe has chosen Sept. 11 and its aftermath for
a target this year. Written by Josh Kornbluth (Haiku Tunnel)
in collaboration with the troupe, Mr. Smith is a smart and humorous
look at what happens to democratic ideals when profits are at stake.
Obskuristan is a tiny desert nation that is so "dirt poor"
it has to import sand. Jeff Smith is a Sept. 11 firefighter who's been
sent to supervise the country's first democratic elections. However,
it turns out that the elections are fixed ("Only an American could
mistake a fixed election for a real one," candidate Ralif Nadir
quips) and that the United States is supporting the corrupt government
in order to gain control of Obskuristan's oil resources. On opening
weekend the performance fell short of the troupe's usual polish, but
there are plenty of much needed laughs and at least a few moments (Ed
Holmes as Barbara Bush!) approaching brilliance. (Shalson)
|