“People will believe anything they have not been given a reason to disbelieve.”
This statement occurs regularly in the graduate thesis of one of the characters in CTG’s upcoming production of “Yankee Tavern.” The thesis revolves around conspiracy theories, and their ability to be proven or conversely disproven, using both empirical evidence and reasonable doubt to affirm a stance on either side. This production will be focusing specifically on the concept of what is easier for Americans to believe - what can be legitimately observed, or what can be proven, regardless of evidence.
I know, pretty heavy, right? Well, I promise you that it will be entertaining as well.
I’ve been pretty jazzed to direct this play, or at least be a part of a production since I saw it done in Seattle in 2010. Steven Dietz is a pretty prolific American playwright and director, even though he may not be a household name. He hasn’t really won any major awards, but has received multiple commissions for writing new plays. While some new plays are commissioned for the purpose of being as commercial and entertaining as possible, Dietz is more representative of the playwrights commissioned in Ancient Greece, who were asked to develop plays about current social phenomena that need to be explored. After reading this and other plays he’s done, I think I can safely say that he obviously has his finger on the pulse of undercurrents in American culture. In “Yankee Tavern,” Dietz explores the the concept of truth, and whether there can be a universal truth, or whether truth is subjective.
Okay, still pretty heavy. Give me a little more time, and I’ll show you the entertaining side.
Dietz offers his observations on truth by putting them into a relative context: our collective perception of the attack of 9/11. Now, I’m going to offer a promise that this play will not be directed to firmly pronounce any political stance, much less show any preference to either side of the aisle. More than anything, the play is written to address our ability to believe what we would prefer to believe, rather than what is more representative of the truth, based on empirical evidence. Long story short: as Americans, we tend to believe what we want to, rather than what we can observe. We see that the sky is blue, but still call it something other than blue; whatever might tickle our fancy that day. And, rather than only accepting it as truth, we almost zealously defend it, because any other way would be impossible. Isn’t this why Galileo was excommunicated from the church: because he suggested the earth was not the center of the universe? And, what do we know now? Just that little dose of doubt, even though a tough pill to swallow, changed the world, and for the better, I would think.
Okay, get to the “entertaining.” I got it. Here you go:
The play is mainly put into motion by Ray, played by John Goodell. Ray is a staple patron of the Yankee Tavern. Literally, there is not a day that goes by in which Ray sits at the bar, divulging his encyclopedia of conspiracy theories to anyone willing offer even a modicum of interest. Seriously, he can connect Yoko Ono to the Bay of Pigs, has evidence that we didn’t land on the moon but somewhere else, and that Kleenex has the inside scoop on a lab-created germ designed to force the American consumer into forking over loads of cash on over-the-counter meds and products. Anyone that kooky would be worth sharing a few drinks with, right? So, why not belly up to our bar, and be entertained for a couple hours while we explore this concept together, through some humorous lenses, but also some pretty thrilling ones as well!
“Yankee Tavern” will play at the Carriage House Theater April 29 & 30, May 1, 6, 7, 8, 12,13, & 14. Tickets will be available soon at the WYO Box office, or at www.wyotheater.com.
I’ll see you at intermission!
