Central Works Theatre Ensemble - Production History

THE GRAND INQUISITOR

THE GRAND INQUISITOR
from The Brothers Karamazov

It's the height of the height of the Spanish Inquisition. And HE has come again...or has HE?

THE BERKELEY CITY CLUB (2315 Durant Avenue)
July 7 - July 31

Berkeley City Club
2315 Durant Avenue

Dostoevsky's aim in writing his final masterpiece was, as recorded in his diary, "to find the man in man." Continuing its 2006 season, Central Works takes the magnificent story-within-the story of the Brothers Karamazov, ingeniously adapting it for the stage. Dostoevsky writes, "he appeared quietly, inconspicuously, but everyone recognized him." Would we?

Adapted for the stage by Gary Graves, in collaboration with Kristin Fitch, Gregory Scharpen, David Skillman & Jan Zvaifler. Dostoevsky's THE GRAND INQUISITOR is directed by Jan Zvaifler, and features Gary Graves and David Skillman. With costumes by Tammy Berlin, lights by Rob Anderson, sound by Gregory Scharpen and stage management by Kristin Fitch.

Focusing on new work, Central Works develops original plays through intensive collaborative workshops. The company, now in its fifteenth season, has presented twenty-four productions, including sixteen original plays. Of Central Works' 2004 story to stage adaptation, Chekhov's The Duel, Robert Hurwitt (The San Francisco Chronicle) wrote "comic, wistful, scathingly ironic and deeply humane." CENTRAL WORKS: We make plays.

"Central Works' adaptation of the great parable in The Brothers Karamazov is a compelling drama that probes themes about faith, compassion and expediency in our time...Jan Zvaifler's concentrated staging, ...skillful performances and an adept dramatization by Gary Graves (who plays the title role) create a soul-scouring 80-minute showdown between a returned Christ and a rigorous defender of his church's temporal power. "
-- Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle

"An intimate and haunting production..."
-- Lara Shalson, SF Bay Guardian

"Gary Graves has meticulously adapted...Central Works' deeply moving production, Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor...Graves brings sensitivity to the character of the Inquisitor, and David Skillman shows off multidexterous talents in a variety of roles...Evocative staging works a mystical charm on all the senses. "
-- Chloe Veltman, SFWeekly

"Graves creates a powerful figure in the title role, while Skillman portrays an incisive range of characters...Zvaifler's direction contributes an intensely focused telling of this verbal collision....deep probing questions are raised in this strong play. The answers are to be mulled over long after the experience of the intimate encounter is over. "
-- Jack Tucker, Contra Costa Times

Directed by Jan Zvaifler, Central Works' production is fine-honed and focused....Gary Graves creates an ominously uneasy Grand Inquisitor...David Skillman is both versatile and convincing. Together they create an atmosphere of airless dread, in which the powerful are as terrified as the oppressed.
-- Robert Hall, Piedmont Post