Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

It may not be immediately evident what Stephen Belber’s latest play, “Geometry of Fire,” is about or how the characters are even connected, but the stimulating ideas coursing through the play --- albeit sometimes a little too blatantly--- make it worth the wait. Presented at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre and directed by Lucie Tiberghien, “Geometry of Fire” may feel more like a draft of a play than a polished product. However, talented actors, engaging scenes, poignant relationships and the interesting ideas the playwright raises make it worth watching, though at times it is difficult to tell what exactly the theme is that we are meant to focus on.

Mel (Kevin O’Donnell) was an invest banker before he decided he wanted to fight in the Iraq war as a sniper for the Marines. He did this in order to have a direct influence on the actions of the army, rather than being told what actions were being performed on his, and all Americans’, behalf. Having now returned from Iraq, Mel is living with his father and wastes away his days with visits to the local bar. His father (played by an excellent Jeffrey DeMunn) encourages him to take advantage of counseling services offered to veterans, but his attempts to help his son usually unravel arguments. Meanwhile, Tariq (Donnie Keshawarz), the son of the chauffeur for the Saudi Arabian ambassador, tries in vain to get the army to admit that the toxic chemicals they dumped near his house are responsible for the cancer that is now killing his father. Mel’s father happens to be the in charge of testing Tariq’s soil. Furthermore, Mel and his father are frequent patrons of the bar where Tariq’s girlfriend (Jennifer Mudge) works. As both Mel and Tariq become increasingly frustrated with their situations, the tension results in potentially deadly confrontations at the bar.

Ultimately, “Geometry of Fire” fits in the genre of plays about the Iraq war but it’s father/son relationships and unique handling of the psyche make it stand out from the crowd. Belber’s play makes the case that through the help of therapy, we can change our thought patterns and the way we view the world and thus recreate the world around us.In addition, it entertains the idea that we are all inextricably linked and thus responsible for one and another and the universe in which we inevitably participate. Unfortunately, Belber’s characters sometimes explain the concept more than they demonstrate it. There is a particularly interesting scene in which Mel has a conversation with one of his victims while high on ecstasy, however the ending devolves into a bit of a muddle and a potentially strong theme is left without much flesh on its bones. One questions what the entire exercise --- both Mel’s experience and the play itself --- was really for, and if anyone “learned” anything at all. But as one who believes there is value in even asking the right questions, “Geometry of Fire” does that and more.