Time Stands Still, Donald Marguiles’ Tony-nominated play, now playing at The Studio Theatre, seems like a logical choice to stage in the Washington, DC area. Dealing with a subject matter near and dear to the hearts of Washingtonians working in the international peace and conflict area, it considers the role of photo journalism in capturing the war du jour and the humans behind the camera lens. More specifically, it asks the question whether one can be completely detached from the atrocities one witnesses and whether moral ambiguities should (and do) come into play when capturing human strife. It is a good question and a relevant one at that as we consider the various conflicts playing out in our world from Africa to the Middle East.
Holly Twyford (Sarah) in 'Time Stands Still.' Photo by Scott Suchman.
To be sure, this very strong and compelling play is not an academic exercise. It instead presents the intriguing story of Sarah (Holly Twyford), a photo journalist very recently injured in a conflict zone, and her long-time lover James (Greg McFadden), a war reporter also battling his own emotional demons. Both are back at home in Brooklyn, NY, away from the Iraqs, Afghanistans, and Sudans of the world, and are forced to face their relationship with one another, their career choices, and their own vulnerability and humanity. It’s a different circumstance for them to be home, and one that presents its own set of conflicts. However, the lure of the conflict zone is never too far away and presents a backdrop for the two characters’ more personal struggle.
The Studio Theatre does a commendable job in presenting the story and, by extension, examining the difficult questions the characters ponder. There is one particular reason this production, directed by Susan Fenichell, works quite well: Holly Twyford’s performance as the intense, war-junkie, Sarah is a marvel!
Holly Twyford (Sarah) and Greg McFadden (James) in 'Time Stands Still.' Photo by Scott Suchman.
Twyford, who has performed for many years on Washington, DC’s stages, is one of this area’s treasures; her performance here once again proves why she is one of the most versatile and accomplished actresses in the area. The complex simplicity she brings to the role of Sarah, from facial expressions to tone, allows the observer to feel Sarah’s physical and emotional pain and understand that there is a person behind the camera lens. Without this subtle approach, the character can resemble a caricature of the hardened, independent, domineering, and singularly-focused woman. Thankfully, much like Laura Linney in the world premiere, Twyford avoids these missteps and delivers an interesting and nuanced performance worthy of the Broadway stage. We are able to see her transformation from a very angry, injured reporter to a woman that comes to grip with her life-altering experience, her vulnerability, and her choices in her professional and personal life.
Twyford, however, is not the only actor on stage – though she is by far the standout. McFadden ably demonstrates James’ inner conflict over what he wants out of life- whether it’s the warzone and the adrenaline it provides, or a simple family life. While his approach to the character can come across as maudlin at times (particularly in act one when James is dealing with Sarah’s homecoming), his seemingly natural vulnerability is appropriate for the character who has his own demons from the years in the field. A stronger presence might make his character more compelling and interesting because James, too, is a reporter veteran like Sarah who has seen the worst of the human condition.
Dan Illian and Laura C. Harris round out the small ensemble cast as Richard and Mandy. Illian makes appropriate acting choices as Richard, photo editor and close friend of Sarah. He makes it clear that Richard is not a war junkie himself, but certainly understands why Sarah and James do what they do. Illian’s chemistry with Twyford, in particular, makes the character work. Harris, as the young and idealist Mandy, exudes charm. She doesn’t particularly show much chemistry with Illian, who plays her lover, but her scenes with Twyford are very effective as both actresses show the dichotomy between the two women.
L to R: Greg McFadden (James), Dan Illian (Richard), and Laura C. Harris (Mandy) in 'Time Stands Still.' Photo by Scott Suchman.
As a backdrop to the action, Set Designer John McDermott has created a realistic-looking Brooklyn apartment. His careful and impressive attention to detail to create a sterile environment (albeit one with many books) ensures the audience remembers that this is the home of Sarah and James- two people who are rarely at home and have not spent a lot of time creating one. Mary Louise Geiger’s lighting design and Ivania Stack’s costume design are also very effective. Stack’s costume choices for Mandy and Sarah further demonstrate the vast difference between the two women- one is a fashionable event planner in NYC and the other is someone who is more apt to be wearing cargo pants and a t-shirt as she traverses landmines and the like. Eric Shimelonis’ sound and original composition is effective during scene changes, but I do question whether his not so subtle underscoring is effective for a more introspective play.
Overall, Fenichell should be applauded for executing this difficult piece. Under her direction, Holly Twyford is given a chance to really shine.
Running Time: About 2 hours with a 10 minute intermission.
Time Stands Still plays through February 12, 2012 at The Studio Theatre – 1501 14th St, NW, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call (202) 332-3300, or purchase them online.
Jennifer Perry has been a DC resident for over 10 years having moved from Upstate New York to attend graduate school at American University's School of International Service. When not attending countless theatrical performances in Washington, DC and New York, she works for the US Federal Government as an analyst. She enjoys leveraging her writing and analytic skills, honed in the international affairs and sociology fields, to examine local theatrical works and the perspectives that they offer on the world.
