DIARY OF A MADMAN

The Actors Circle Theatre is an apt name for the small theatre that sits on a corner near the intersection of La Brea Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. The venue, with its well-lit exterior and inviting marquee, stands out on a street crowded with competing theatrical neighbors. Inside, the current production of Diary of a Madman is a bold and unique actor’s showcase, and a performance well worth attending for local theatre coinsures.

Diary of a Madman is an enthralling tale taken directly from the text of Nikolai Gogol’s 1835 first person short story of the same name. This compelling one man show centers on the life of Poprishchin, a low level civil servant who yearns for the love of a woman he can never have. His fragile mind is pushed past its breaking point by his unrequited affections and failure to ascend at work and in life. An obvious period piece, the story presents pleasantly timeless and universal themes that seem to tie a thread through time, connecting the audience to the author despite the generations that have passed between.

The lights come up on Poprishchin (Ilia Volok), alone, beaten, battered, and locked away in an asylum with only memories and the crumpled pages of his diary for solace. Over the course of this vigorous 80-minute play, Poprishchin relives the touching, sad, and often humorous events that lead to his eventual confinement. Along the way, his decaying mind revels in an alternate reality that intersects with relationships, both real and imagined, and ultimately pushes him over the edge of sanity.

Despite effective lighting, an eye catching distressed floor, and a stirring musical selection that reoccurs throughout the story, the technical elements of this show are largely fruitless. The multipurpose stage with a functionless second door at times draws you out of the desired setting, and the sound levels and selections leave considerable room for improvement. Likewise, the staging seems at times obtuse and often does not suit the space, making some of the already-past-their-prime theatre seats even less ideal for viewing the considerable action that takes place further downstage. However, all of this is surmounted by the tour de force performance delivered by Volok. With unwavering devotion to character, Volok is gripping, endearing, and steadfast in his role of the pencil-sharpening clerk who yearns to rise above his station in life. The strong script and commonality of the feelings it conveys lay the groundwork for effective storytelling, but Diary of a Madman at the Actors Circle Theatre succeeds primarily due to Volok’s fully-committed performance.

Diary of a Madman runs through March 31st 2012 at the Actors Circle Theatre in Hollywood.http://volok-diaryofamadman.weebly.com/