Alik 

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian 
Elysium Conservatory Theatre
Through March 30  

RECOMMENDED 

Julio Vera’s Alik dives into the background of the assassin of John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, focusing on the time he spent in the Soviet Union just before returning to the U.S. and committing the deed that made him infamous. The play smartly underscores Oswald’s faults while providing insight into his mental instability as seen through the eyes of his wife, Marina Prusakova.

The show begins by introducing Alik (based on Oswald’s alias, Alek J. Hidell), an ex-marine from New Orleans living in in Minsk, Belarus while working in a radio factory. From the beginning, his attraction to Marina (Lauren Fordinal), whom he meets at a dance, is strong. Hesitant at first, her interest and affection for him eventually lead to romance, and they soon marry. Shortly after Marina moves into Alik’s apartment, she begins to notice disturbing behaviors that range from Alik’s talking and crying in his sleep to his obvious lying, especially in reference to his “work” — a stack of letters he keeps in his desk drawer. Alik’s reactions to Marina’s concern grow violent. Nightmares evolve into daytime hallucinations where he relives painful memories. Although he claims to be an orphan, it is soon revealed that his mother and brothers are alive, and that his reasons for living in the Soviet Union and his eventual decision to move Marina and their newborn daughter back to America are not as clear as he claims. 

Justin Powell skillfully portrays the complicated Alik. His back-and-forth transitions between an idealist who wants his ideas heard to a madman haunted by his past and pushed to the brink of insanity provides depth to the typically sketchy characterization of Oswald we are accustomed to. Vera’s play adds another dimension to the motives of the future killer without excusing the act or using it as a focal point of the work. The brutal signs of his unhinging are clear, and Powell adds just enough charm to make you feel sorry for Alik without eclipsing the real psychopathy behind his actions.

As Marina, Fordinal similarly invokes sympathy for her character. Her strong personality and stubbornness make her a good foil for Alik, whom she fears but is able to keep in check through her determination. Although some of Alik’s past is revealed in flashbacks played out by his family and social workers, Marina is the audience’s main guide through her troubling discoveries of her husband’s secrets; her brave but rattled approach sets the right tone for the drama that surrounds the unfolding events. Notable as well is Michele Schultz as Alik’s mother, the insufferable Marguerite, who is identified as contributing to her son’s mental state early on, and Colleen Greenhalgh as Larissa, Marina’s sharp, no-nonsense friend, who is simultaneously the voice of reason and the comic relief.

The Wende Museum of the Cold War is an ideal venue for the production, given the setting of the story and the ideology behind Alik’s inspiration for embracing communism. Director Cassandra Ambe and the actors make the most of the small square playing area that is just large enough to house their performance. A few elaborate set pieces help bring Alik’s small apartment to life. The supporting performers double as stagehands and add small gestures to their movements in a way that emphasizes the roles they play.

Alik furnishes a new perspective on one of the most famous events in American history. Vera’s speculations about Oswald add thought-provoking intricacy to our consideration of the JFK assassination and whether or not it could have been prevented. The endless debate over destiny versus choice plays a large part in carrying the plot forward. Vera’s script, in tandem with Ambe’s well-paced direction, present ideas which viewers can discuss and carry with them long after the final bow.

Wende Museum of the Cold War, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; through Mar. 30. (424) 535-7333(424) 535-7333 or https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3326723. Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.