Terry Morgan

Adolphus Ward and Morlan Higgins star in "The Train Driver." -- Photo: Ed Krieger Athol Fugard's latest play, "The Train Driver," has the requisite materials for a strong drama--a man is tormented by his part in a tragedy, and the kindness of a stranger helps him work through it. Unfortunately, the titular character roars without having much of interest to say, and the other character is so quiet and low-key he might as well...

The Road Theatre Company, beginning its 20th season, has been terrific for a long time, a conglomeration of artists that has provided L.A. with shows of excellence and ambition, from the twisty treats of Ouroboros and Bunbury to the distinctive and dissimilar pleasures of Napoli Milionaria and The Bird and Mr. Banks.

In 1880s America, the male-dominated medical establishment, in its dubious wisdom, lumped any number of unrelated ailments suffered by women together as “hysteria,” including anything from depression to irritability to light sensitivity.

Julia Campbell and Leith Burke in 'Neighbors.' | Photo: I.C. Rapoport There’s a line in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, Neighbors, where one of the main characters says: “Race is an illusion! If you ignore it, it will go away!” The character speaking would like to make that statement true through force of sheer will, but the play thwarts him at every turn, insisting that racial stereotypes are alive and well, and the idea of...