REVIEW: Tragic polar tale is well-told by newly launched Inukshuk

By PAM KRAGEN - Staff Writer | Wednesday, May 7, 2008 2:05 PM PDT ∞

In his journal, polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott feared that his name would die with him on Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf in 1912. But through his bravery in the face of death and his inspiring words, he became an enduring hero among his fellow Britons.

In today's less idealistic times, Scott's star has lost its shine. Critics say that while organizing his expedition (to be the first man to reach the South Pole), Scott didn't heed valuable advice, didn't pay attention to detail, made countless planning mistakes and didn't turn back when supplies ran low.

Scott's five-man team did reach the pole on Jan. 17, 1912, but they arrived five weeks after the better-organized and -supplied explorer Roald Amundsen had planted Norway's flag. And on their difficult journey back, Scott's entire team perished from a combination of frostbite, exhaustion and starvation. Scott survived to the last, calmly surrendering to death only after writing a series of letters to the families of his dead colleagues, recounting their bravery and taking some measure of responsibility for the expedition's failure.

Scott's final expedition is the subject of Ted Talley's gripping 1977 play "Terra Nova," running through Sunday at San Diego's 6th@Penn Theatre (which next week will be renamed Compass Theatre).

"Terra Nova" is the impressive debut production of Inukshuk Production Co., led by former SDSU theater professor Marybeth Bielawski-DeLeo. "Inukshuk" is the Inuit word for shelter-like structures used as guideposts in the snowy wilderness of Alaska, where Bielawski-DeLeo was born and lived until relocating to San Diego six years ago.

Bielawski-DeLeo says she's committed to producing thought-provoking plays to serve as guideposts for thought and "Terra Nova" reminds us of what's been lost in the near-century since Scott's death ---- the age of exploration, man's quest for self-betterment and the polar ice caps themselves, now melting rapidly due to global warming.

Bielawski-DeLeo directs "Terra Nova" in a minimalist, yet very effective staging that thanks to excellent performances, haunting sound design and original music and Scott's own words that tell a tragic yet inspiring story that would have made the doomed adventurer proud.

Tom Andrew leads a strong cast as Scott, a British navy captain who finds his better self not on the journey to the pole but in his passage to death. Andrew's performance is restrained, emotionally bare and thoroughly convincing.

Talley's play begins as the delirious Scott is penning his final journal entry, then hopscotches back and forth through the previous three years leading up that day. Haunting his thoughts is the nagging specter of Amundsen, played by Matt Thompson with the same intimidating slickness he had last fall as North Coast Rep's Dracula. (Although the script lists a Norwegian dialect coach, Thompson's accent always sounds English.)

Amanda Cooley Davis is refined, brainy and bold as Scott's wife, Kathleen, the outspoken, artistic English socialite who resolutely supported her husband's restless quest for fame, fortune and respect.

Tom Hall struggles mightily as Edgar "Taffy" Evans, the Welsh seaman whose failing health slowed the party. Ryan Schulze burns angrily as Lawrence "Titus" Oates, the no-nonsense, war-scarred soldier. Eddie Yaroch is kind and noble as Dr. Edward Wilson, who encourages the best in others. And Scott Striegel has pluck and optimism as the beak-nosed Henry "Birdie" Bowers, who oversaw the party's stores.

Kelley Convery's picture-perfect costumes, combined with the endless howl of Arctic winds created by sound/lighting designer Bonnie Breckenridge, and Mark Helmuth's all-white sailcloth and tent set design, create just the right atmosphere for the Polar tale. Adding to the period feel of the piece is Breckenridge's original music and colorful slide projections (by Simon Marshall and Lesley Paterson) with pictures of Scott's actual team and ship, the Terra Nova.

Robert Scott may have failed at his goal of being the first man to reach the South Pole. But he succeeded in facing insurmountable odds with courage and noble grace. Through Inukshuk, Bielawski-DeLeo hopes to inspire thought and change. And in these challenging times, perhaps we could all aspire to do great things, despite what may seem impossible odds.

"Terra Nova"

When: 8 p.m. May 8-10; 2 p.m. May 11

When: Inukshuk Productions at 6th@Penn Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego

Tickets: $20-$23

Phone: (619) 688-9210

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