by Bob Duxbury
Heroes of the Fourth Turning caused a stir when it was first produced in 2019, not least because the normally liberal theater community produced an energetic defense of conservative Catholic doctrine adapted for popular consumption from the cerebral The Fourth Turning. The book, by William Strauss and Neil Howe, is a favorite of Steve Bannon, the former Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to Donald Trump.
The latest incarnation has arrived via Left Edge Theatre at the California Theater, the multi-purpose venue in downtown Santa Rosa. Skylar Evans’ well-directed production runs through September 21.
We are in an outdoor backyard, late at night in Wyoming, the nation’s emptiest state whose big sky is about to welcome an eclipse. Four friends reunite seven years after graduation to celebrate the appointment of their mentor (a solid Lisa Flato) as the college president.
The four are: Justin, a troubled vet who now raises horses (a taciturn Brandon Kraus), the president’s daughter, suffering from a debilitating illness (the heart-wrenching Allie Nordby), and the two characters at the center of the play: an excellent Jessica Headington creates a believable Teresa, despite being saddled with most of the background exposition, while Logan Witthaus’ Kevin is a charismatic and dynamic holy fool.
The characters intersperse grand themes, such as the need to prepare for a war over Christian values, against liberal and Muslim onslaught, and personal dilemmas such as ‘how do I get a girlfriend’ or whether Teresa has the capacity for love itself. The play is an argument that pits engagement, including the arena of Republican politics and the mayhem of Donald Trump, against an almost monastic withdrawal into philosophical contemplation deep in the wilderness.
The fierce debate over abortion and empathy has lost none of its fiery relevance, along with the interspersing of the action by an alleged generator malfunction intended to underscore how high indeed are the stakes.
The play challenges us to engage with a highly intellectual rational for feeling in a way most of us don’t. Arbery says theater has a place in the election debate and at very least does its best to inform and engage. Even if you already know who will get your vote, perhaps now you’ll know more about why.
If you’ve been away from live theater for awhile, welcome yourself back for this one.
Left Edge Theatre’s ‘Heroes of the Fourth Turning’ runs through September 21 at The California Theatre. 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa. Thu – Fri, 7:30pm; Sat., 1pm. $20–$29. 707.664.7529. leftedgetheatre.com
Photos by Dana Hunt
Bob Duxbury is a British-born, award-winning playwright and retired Santa Rosa Junior College English professor.
North Bay Stage and Screen 