Berkshire on Stage

by Emily Edelman

In the world premiere of Maggie Kearnan’s “How to Not Save the World With Mr. Bezos” presented by Great Barrington Public Theater, an alternate reality in which it is illegal to be a billionaire sees journalist Cherry Beaumont interviewing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos about his motivations for wealth. This (very) dark comedy includes emotional revelations, interpretive dance, audience participation and, yes, beer pong.

Eliza Fichter’s abrupt shift from flustered, slightly starstruck journalist into ruthless, dubiously principled opponent is both confusing and profound. Noah Ilya Alexis Tuleja’s Bezos is carefully organized and aloof, feeling little and regretting nothing, resulting in a perfect foil for Cherry’s emotional roller coaster. Shai Vaknine’s Fact Checker reminds the audience of the differences between truth and fiction for as long as he can, his fragile humanity becoming evident when his allegiance to what is right and provable is tested.

Director Clay Hopper’s use of physicality seems almost inspired, his characters revealing their complex personalities in all their movements, even the subtlest ones. Juliana von Haubrich’s adaptable set melds two environments into one, brilliantly creating a distinct feeling of unease. Nathan Leigh’s sound design was jarringly uneven in volume at times, but incredibly effective if that was the point, as it added much to the play’s atmospheric discontent. Matthew Adelson’s lighting also tended toward extremes, generating poignant and pointed discomfort that perfectly matched the play’s mood. 

For those concerned about possible problems caused by the immediacy of the play’s subject matter, a post-show Q&A revealed that playwright Kearnan has already planned for all eventualities by including an appendix on the script that essentially rewrites portions of the play should certain current event details become altered.

Upon entering the venue, audience members are met with a sign disclosing the play’s inclusion of “graphic depictions of violence.” This is not an exaggeration. If you are a sensitive individual, steel yourself and be ready.

“How to Not Save the World With Mr. Bezos” plays in the Liebowitz Black Box Theater of the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, through Sunday, June 22.

Playwright: Maggie Kearnan. Director: Clay Hopper. Cast: Eliza Fichter, Noah Ilya Alexis Tuleja, Shai Vaknine. Scenic design: Juliana von Haubrich. Lighting design: Matthew Adelson. Costume design: George W. Veale VI. Projection design: Jordan Schwarz. Prop design: Katie Polebaum-Freeman. Sound design, original music: Nathan Leigh. Stage  manager: Kaleigh Cerqua. Assistant stage manager: Nathaniel Bokaer.