TH IR DS Review – An America Divided

Actor/playwright Ben Edlin and story co-creator Deborah Aquila focus their keen imagination on American history in TH IR DS, which weaves an alternate timeline to American history. The Civil War was never fought; and America is currently divided into three separate countries, The Union, The Confederate, and the Pacific States of America. But then a historic drought threatens the citizens of the Confederate States. Catherine Sheppard, the world’s most powerful water tycoon and citizen of the Pacific States, must travel into the Confederacy to negotiate a secret deal with the government to provide their people with clean water before it’s too late. To quote author Edlin, “TH IR DS is an exploration of the ties that bind us together and the forces that pull us apart: of the hope that lies in understanding when our bitterness departs. Of the dangers we may drown in when we all decline to say, ‘I’m not sure I agree, but still, our brotherhood should stay.’ It’s a story of survival and of reaping what we sow: of a question, that if where we are is where we want to go?”

Ben Edlin and Brian Yeun – Photo by Jeff Lorch

The time is tomorrow, and the place is the Alliance of American States. From a story by Aquila and Edlin, written by Ben Edlin and directed by Jessica Aquila Cymerman, TH IR DS introduces us to Catherine Sheppard (Corbin Reid) and David Cohen (Ben Edlin), citizens of the Pacific States and purveyors (hopefully) of clean, free water to the Confederate States, where a drought has left the population on the brink of destruction. As Professor William Seward (Derek Webster) explains early on, this is a crisis and must be met head-on in a divided America. Meanwhile, Confederate citizens Patricia Todd (Tess Harrison), her ailing husband Peter (Eanna O’Dowd), and their sick baby bring the crisis home as they struggle to simply exist. Wily government rep James Cross (Carlo Mancasola) is in charge of negotiations and must convince the idealistic Steven Choi (Brian Yeun) to get with the program.

Ben Edlin and Tess Harrison – Photo by Jeff Lorch

TH IR DS is a multi-media event, with time shared between the actors on stage and the filmed story of a doomed Confederate family barely hanging on. A busy director Cymerman helms the play with attention to both sides of the conflict told on two different platforms. At times, the story may mirror some issues faced in 2024; while, at other times, the story takes on a life of its own as it describes the timeless ethical and moral dilemmas which the catastrophe highlights.

Carlo Mancasola and Brian Yeun – Photo by Jeff Lorch

Jeff G. Rack’s scenic and prop design keep the transitions flowing, while Michelle Hanzelova-Bierbauer’s graphic design, Emilyna Zoe Cullen’s costumes, Derrick McDaniel’s lighting, and Joseph Slawinski’s sound keep the action moving. The cast does a skilled job of portraying seven people thrust together and forced to solve a life-and-death problem which may not be soluble. TH IR DS is a tale with many levels and dimensions, and the entire cast and crew work hard to bring it all together. This is a play which should appeal to audiences who enjoy a “what if” scenario, as well as to people who strive to understand the legal, social, moral, and ethical conundrums inherent in politics. TH IR DS is thought-provoking and, in its own way, a story which could be timeless in its implications.

Ben Edlin, Corbin Reid, and Carlo Mancasola – Photo by Jeff Lorch

TH IR DS runs through September 29, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Tickets are $35 (seniors and students $25). For information and reservations, go online.