Word: ruth
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...cited his own experiences an example, saying that it was he who suggested current Justices Stephen Bryer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg-considered among the Court's most liberal members--to former President Bill Clinton as potential Supreme Court nominees...
Particularly memorable is Jack’s attempt to convince Ruth to have a quickie before hosting a party. Though she initially agrees, the arrival of guests (as indicated by the ringing of a doorbell) convinces her that fate has spoken against them. In desperation, Jack decides to use the old distract-and-attack method; he points somewhere and shouts, “Look!” The ploy works, but since Jack is on the other side of the bed from Ruth, he is forced to execute a flying dive in an attempt to grasp her in his arms...
...seeking to analyze the nature of relationships from both the male and female perspective, Ancient History fails to bring any new and interesting ideas to the debate. It does however, manage to present the age-old dilemmas in new and often humorous ways. Ruth is the bread-winner in the relationship and is disappointed with Jack’s small paycheck and his lack of ambition. Jack, however, is happy with his job as a math teacher and is not looking to increase the size of his bank account. They also discuss the very Seinfeldesque idea of not totally committing...
...thearicality detract from the strength of the performance. Flashbacks introduced by the sound of a ringing phone occasionally become confusing, when at times the ringing indicated a phone call, and sometimes even seems to be ringing for no reason. Also, there are moments in the play, such as when Ruth and Jack are having a major blow-out, in which the actors remain far apart. This occasionally diminishes the power behind the emotion, leaving the acting a little flat...
Despite such technical difficulties, Winkler and Urban deliver excellent performances. Throughout the production, it is easy to believe that they are actually Ruth and Jack, conveying both passion and sorrow with equal aplomb. Despite some of the setbacks caused by staging and effects, or the confusion created by the flashbacks, Ancient History is an enjoyable chronicle of one ill-fated relationship. The subject matter often rings true. In general, this play is a superb effort by the cast and crew, leaving the audience with one important truth: “Hell is remembering other people...