The Life of Galileo in Epic Style 

If one were to stage a Brechtian version of Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks would look directly into the camera and relinquish any evidence of his character to deliver the line, "Life is like a box of chocolates ...." There would be montages, live versions of the movie's soundtrack and images of Trump with audio overlay of Hitler speeches sprinkled in the mix.

Elements of Bertolt Brecht's "epic theater" style are brilliantly incorporated by co-directors Craig and Julie Benson to bring Brecht's The Life of Galileo to Cal Poly Humboldt's production in Gist Hall Theatre. The result is a beautiful piece of theater that is both educational and meaningful.

Brecht and Shakespeare believed theater should not be reserved for the elite. Ironically, both have become like fashionable superfoods, originally meant for everyone but later reserved exclusively for Whole Food shoppers. Still, the works are saturated with meaning and a poetry in language that keep them as timeless as kombucha or coconut water. This production brings Brecht back to its origins. Quite simply, it is about Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei, brilliantly (and controversially, as students protested the loss of a role for student players) played by CPH associate professor Troy Lesher. The father of modern astronomy and his battle with a church that was afraid of the implications of his scientific discoveries drive the action. While at times this conflict doesn't feel like enough to raise the stakes to life or death (which it was) Lesher's drive and passion as Galilei is compelling enough to keep interest. Willow Aguilar's ominous presence as the Cardinal Inquisitor, whose merciless silence and Dolores Umbridge sweetness are gorgeous. This production has 17 actors portraying 47 roles. That alone is a triumph. Flip Amborski plays an abundance of characters, each just as realized as the next and expertly acted. Likewise, Penny Dellapelle's perfect delivery in every character added necessary comedy to the total work. The entire cast is lovely to witness and small bobbles in swallowed or underarticulated words (classics are all about the words), and reservations in taking characterizations to an absurd level, will undoubtedly be resolved as the run progresses. Still, this production was fully realized and remarkable, even on opening night — rare for Humboldt post-COVID theater.

Scenic designer Robert Pickering strayed away from Brecht's typical aesthetic of simplicity, opting instead for realism in rolling multi-functional boxes with scrolls, instruments and columns, a castle-esque wall and multi-level spaces; I loved it. The hanging mobiles are icing on the cake and perfect for the steep house, constant reminders of the beauty of the universe and science for those in the upper-level seats. The costumes by Linda Muggeridge were consistent and beautiful (save for ornate metal crosses that unfortunately read like cutouts from a Burger King crown). Amazing lighting design by Michael Johnson and projections by Lawrence Dahms brought attention to the details needed in a piece like this. Board operators Cora Schimetz and Andrew Gallimore are heroes, as I have not seen such perfect execution of a very complex, cue-driven board in a very long time. Bravo.

Brecht shows are political and preachy. Done in his epic style, they can also be gritty and heavy handed. The Bensons find the right balance in showcasing the style, though I would like to see the piece become even more in-your-face to appeal to the masses already oversaturated by social media in a neo-Brecht, post-COVID, tech addicted world. But the appearance of Bill Gates, Elon Musk and a brilliantly placed "COVID IS A LIE" sign may be enough for some. It also answers the question of how Galileo and this show are relevant today. The movement of the piece as a whole uses fine choreography highlighted by the set changes, rhythm of line delivery and beautiful staging, for which expert direction is needed. The Bensons do not disappoint.

The Life of Galileo is truly about education in history, style and craft. This Brecht vilifier now wants to see a Brechtian Forrest Gump. Perhaps I just needed a bit of educating.

This production of The Life of Galileo at Gist Hall Theatre continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Nov. 11, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Call (707) 826-3928.

Tiggerbouncer Custodio (he/she/they) is an empowered queer Indigenous Filipino artist whose works have been seen on Humboldt stages and elsewhere.

COMING SOON

The Sanctuary hosts the 2023 Puppet Slam on the theme of biomass on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Call (707) 822-0898 or visit sanctuaryarcata.org.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Drama takes the stage at North Coast Repertory Theatre Nov. 17 through Dec. 10. Call (707) 442-6278 or visit ncrt.net.