Theater Review: How the World Began

Heidi Schreck and Justin Kruger. Photo: Carol Rosegg

A Big Bang in a Small Town Over Faith vs. Science
By Lauren Yarger
Nothing turns into something, both in the Big Bang Theory and in a battle between a teacher and her student over the proper place of science and faith in the classroom in Catherine Trieschmann's intelligently designed play How the World Began Off Broadway at the Women's Project.

Susan Pierce (Heidi Schreck) heads from New York City to Plainview, KS as part of a program that provides certification for those teaching in rural areas. Pregnant, and grateful for the health benefits that come with the job, Susan begins teaching high school science to students whose town recently was devastated by a tornado that killed 17 residents  (the school trailer-like set is designed by Clint Ramos.)
Student Micah Staab (Justin Kruger) stops by after class to ask for clarification on something Susan said during a lesson: that the leap from non-life to life is one of the largest gaps in scientific thought, unless you believe in "all that gobbledygook." Just what did she mean by "gobbledygook," he wants to know. First Susan denies having used the term, insisting that he is upset over nothing. When confronted, however, with the fact that other students in the class heard the same thing, and unable to explain away the comment under Micah's skillful scrutiny, she finally admits that she inadvertently was alluding to religious beliefs, like Micah's that God created the world, which she doesn't share.
A debate about science vs. religion ensues. They discuss spontaneous generation, evolution and how old the earth really is, but an increasingly uncomfortable Susan, citing separation of church and state, ends the conversation saying religious beliefs are not appropriate discussion topics for the  classroom. Micah points out, however, that she already expressed her religious beliefs in class by dismissing God with the gobbledygook comment.

Thinking the issue has been resolved, Susan is surprised by a visit from Gene Dinkel (Adam LeFevre) who has been acting as Micah's guardian since he lost his step father in the tornado. He asks her to apologize for offending Micah and the other students as well as a growing number of townspeople who have heard about the incident (news travels fast in a small town, and the local radio personality even mentioned it on the air).

Susan senses judgment from Gene about being pregnant without being married, about thinking the town's residents are stupid and not worth socializing with (she hasn't attended ceremonies commemorating the planting of a new windbreak or honoring those who died in the tornado) and for not believing in God. They vacillate, however, between being annoyed and genuinely impressed with each other. Not everything always is in plain view, they discover (Trieschmann's double entendre for the town's name is not lost).
Trieschmann exhibits brilliant craft as she creates likable characters (regardless of which side you're on) who interact realistically -- as people of deep conviction, but also of great humanity. They work hard to treat the others with respect and to try to be as open minded as they can, and at some points, they realize they actually like each other in spite of their differences. Susan's refusal to apologize amidst growing furor amongst the townspeople and Micah's warped beliefs about God's judgment, however, might prove too great a gap for peacemaker Gene to cross, especially when neither can evolve from the conviction that they are right.

Tightly directed by Daniella Topol, the performances are sharp. Trieschmann takes on a topic that could have been sensationalized or used to further a political or religious agenda, but instead creates a very caring, thought-provoking piece. The characters are very human: flawed and prejudiced, but well intentioned and compassionate. It's timely -- news stories about conflicts over classroom curriculum choices abound. It's also a welcome treatment in a current political climate where too often those with opposing views are dismissed outright and labeled unpatriotic, stupid, elitist, racist or worse.

How the World Began, in association with South Coast Repertory, runs through Jan. 29 at the Women's Project, presenting at the Peter J. Shapr Theater at 416 West 42nd St., NYC (Playwrights Horizons). Performances: Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7:30 with matinees Sundays at 3 pm.  Tickets are $60 and may be purchased fromTicket Central at 212-279-4200, noon to 8 pm daily or online at www.ticketcentral.com. Post-show discussions will follow performances on Jan. 19 and 26.

Christians might also like to know:
--Language
-- God's name taken in vain (Note: I would suggest you not let this put you off as there is a bit of added irony here -- all of the use of God's name in vain is by atheist Susan. There's a point here, rather than just a blatant misuse of the Lord's name, I think.)