Heated Rivalry At The Irish Rep

By John Mooney

Think today's political bickering over bailouts and healthcare is heated? In 1858, the main topic of public discourse was even more controversial: slavery.

Although the exchanges between candidates were civilized compared the discussions on today's cable news shows, the impassioned debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in their U.S. Senate race became national news without TV or the internet.

THE RIVALRY, presented by the Irish Rep, depicts the dynamic between two ambitious Illinois politicians: a young Abe Lincoln and the incumbent Senator Douglas. The famed Lincoln-Douglas debates captivated the nation and set the stage for a spirited 1860 Presidential campaign, which, of course, was won by Honest Abe.

The play is a reminder of how powerful politics can be and of what a thrilling experience it is to watch gifted actors bring historical characters to life.

Peter Cormican embodies the charismatic Douglas, nicknamed "The Little Giant," who captivated audiences with his booming voice and impassioned defense of states' rights, which contained racist arguments.

The lanky Christian Kauffman, who looks uncannily like the 16th President, wonderfully combines Lincoln's folksy storytelling and powerful convictions about slavery.

Meanwhile, veteran screen and theater actress Mary Linda Rapelye shines as Douglas's devoted wife, Adele, who stands by her man, although intrigued by Lincoln's gifted oratory and mastery of homespun humor.

Dressed in elegant period costumes, all three actors are so convincing that they have the audience believing they had leapt onto the stage from the pages of history.

Doug Stender has the unenviable task of playing both a Republican committeeman and a reporter, two characters who do little to move the plot along.

Playwright Norman Corwin weaves an intriguing narrative based on the great orators' actual speeches conducted across the state of Illinois.

Large crowds followed the politicians wherever they went. At one point, Adele asks if she will once again endure a one-hour push to reach the podium.

Although history tells us that Lincoln lost the race for U.S. Senator, the series of debates turned the Republican candidate into a national figure.

While the political views provide the conflict, the intrigue lies in the candidates' personal interactions.

Climbing aboard a train car that had just one empty seat - the one next to Lincoln - Adele interrogates her husband's rival about his beliefs and shares her admiration in confidence.

The cordial Lincoln expresses his mutual respect. It's a scene that likely could not happen today with the intensity and immediacy of 21st Century media.

The debaters, while differing widely on the issues, display charm, passion and intelligence that are often lacking today.

This riveting drama is directed by Vincent Dowling, the former artistic director of The Abbey Theatre, Ireland's national theatre.

The modest staging, red, white and blue bunting, simple podium and lighting recreate a simpler political era - but one marked by the debate over rights, liberty and equality.

The work offers insight into the divide that led to the American Civil War through the words of two charismatic orators who captivated the electorate.

As we mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and the first African American President of the United States, the Irish Rep could not have picked a better time to stage this production.

THE RIVALRY is an excellent examination of one of America's greatest Presidents and his toughest foe.

The Irish Rep has extended the play until July 19, 2009, but don't wait until then to see it.