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Regional Reviews: San Francisco A Powerful Production of Breakfast with Mugabe Also see Richard's review of I Love Lucy Live on Stage
The plot centers around the overwrought meetings between Robert Mugabe (L. Peter Callender) and a white psychiatrist named Andrew Peric (Dan Hiatt) with whom Mugabe consults for depression. The dictator is extremely determined to hang on to power, whatever the cost. The time is 2001 and the audience sees that Mugabe is holed up with his wife Grace (Leontyne-Mbele-Mbong) and bodyguard Gabriel (Adrian Roberts) in the extravagant Harare State House. He is being stalked by the vindictive spirit of a dead comrade from the 1970s wars. This would be like Macbeth equally haunted by Banquo in Shakespeare's Macbeth. The confrontations between the dictator and the psychiatrist are powerful, especially as the play progresses. We find that the shrink is an amazing man who lays down the law before agreeing to work with his illustrious patient. He has survived as a white man in a black community. He has built up a reputation for working with and understanding the mentality of the locals. The performances of the four actors are superb and this is one of the best ensembles this season. L. Peter Callender morphs into Robert Mugabe not only in voice but in the facial and body movements of the tyrant. He occupies the role with a bold intensity. This is a brilliant tour de force of acting. Dan Hiatt gives a superb performance as the psychiatrist. The confrontations between him and the strongman are breathtaking. Leontyne Mbele-Mbong gives strong support as Mugabe's scheming wife Grace. She skillfully gives a beautiful performance as a stylish and haughty woman. Rounding out the excellent cast is Adrian Roberts Gabriel. He gives a perfect performance as the enigmatic and threatening bodyguard. Jon Tracy has directed this production with a straightforwardness that is remarkable. Nina Ball has designed as glorious set of a living room on the three-sided stage of the intimate Aurora Theatre. Breakfast with Mugabe runs through December 14, 2014, at the Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison Street, Berkeley. For tickets call 510-843-4822 or visit at www.auroratheatre.org. Coming up next is The Lyons opening on January 30, 2015 and running through March 1st.
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