By Eva Trieger
SCRIPPS RANCH, California — We’ve all heard tales ranging from altruistic to beastly behavior since the start of the pandemic, but how to explain a young woman planting a kiss on a stranger’s neck in a London train station? Simon Stephens’ 2015 play, Heisenberg, is making its San Diego premiere at Scripps Ranch Theatre’s on January 14, 2022. Live theater is back and poised to make you scratch your head over this clever, organic one-act.
I spoke with Associate Artistic Director Charles Peters in a telephone interview this week. First and foremost, Peters wants patrons to feel safe and secure in attending the recently deep-cleaned theater, and to rest assured that all precautions will be taken to keep everyone protected and able to focus on the stage and actors.
Though I was familiar with Stephens’ Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, I knew nothing of this play and became intrigued after reading the script online. Set directions specifically dictate that there “be no external distractions.” To this end, the set is stark, absent of costumes, very few props, and as a one-act, a flow of dialogue and scenes dominates the one-hour and 10-minute run time. Due to these specific caveats, Scripps Ranch Theatre is a perfect venue as there are only 118 seats spaced out in four rows. Peters says, “Every seat is a good seat. The intimate setting allows viewers to pick up on things you might miss in a larger venue. It’s almost as if the audience is eavesdropping on the characters, adding to the play’s charm.”
Peters grew up in good theatrical company. Both of his parents were fans of TV and film. Peters recalled his mom’s scrapbook of movie stars and lying on the floor, in front of the set, watching old movies with his family. He recalled the film noir, old musicals, and believes this early training primed him for the work he does now. The middle of six kids, it seems that each of the siblings found a niche in the world of entertainment as well. One sister has a radio talk show, a brother is on American Public Radio, another sister runs her own public relations company, another sister dances and teachers ballet, and another brother works in film.
No stranger to acting, Peters has been on stage since he was 8-years-old and was even in a TV pilot at age 10. San Diegans may remember his four-year run with Triple Espresso, which went on to tour eight cities. He told me he has done virtually every job in the theater from acting, consulting to the more technical aspects of theater. As a director, Peters enjoys putting his own personal stamp on a work. Currently, he is thrilled to be a valued member of Scripps Ranch Theatre, where he feels well-respected and supported.
I was eager to know if there were certain directors from whom Charles Peters learned to refine his craft. He told me that he completely admired Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese. He also gained insights in watching Eric Poppick direct. He was particularly observant about the way Poppick spoke to actors and got them to do as he wished.
Peters enjoys directing every genre, but feels he is in tune with relationship-based plays. He enjoys the challenges that are presented, as seen clearly in Heisenberg. Though it has many comedic moments, the play is also about keeping ourselves safe, isolated, and protected, and the risk-taking real life requires.
Peters is especially proud of the synergy of the cast and reported to me that they have “glorious chemistry and no rigidity.” Some of the actors have worked together before giving them greater comfort and ease with each other. He is thrilled that this show will be live because Peters felt it might have been less powerful over a Zoom format.
Next on deck for this director is a play reading series that will feature Herzl’s Dream, set in Budapest about the Zionist’s struggle for a Jewish homeland. Following that, Peters will participate in the “Out on a Limb” festival. The fabulous international competition evaluates over 500 ten-minute plays and provides significant prize money to the six winners. The winning plays are chosen by an array of directors of all different genres and cultures. As these are short, simple productions, the sets are quite limited so the writing must be inspired.
Welcome back to live theater! Come see how Georgie’s unexpected kiss is interpreted by the recipient, Alex, and make your own decisions about life’s predictability or unpredictability.
Heisenberg runs at Scripps Ranch Theatre 1/14/22-1/30/22. Tickets can be purchased here, or contact SRT Patron Services Manager, Lana Cross, at 858-395-0573. Please note COVID policies.
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Eva Trieger is a Solana Beach-based freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com