Dr. Freud meets C.S. Lewis in North Coast Rep play

By Eva Trieger

Eva Trieger
Eva Trieger

SOLANA BEACH, California — “And how does that make you feel?” I asked David Ellenstein as we chatted in the rehearsal space of North Coast Repertory Theater. I, in the chair, notepad in hand, and David, director of “Freud’s Last Session” on the chaise. And so began our fifty-minute-hour interview about this imaginary conversation between avowed atheist, Sigmund Freud, and C.S. Lewis, orthodox Christian.

This San Diego premiere was originally recommended to Ellenstein by several people, specifically because it is just the right size for this intimate Solana Beach venue. The Artistic Director was intrigued by this debate between two highly intelligent, yet diametrically opposed men. He had actually looked into directing it previously, but could not get the rights until now.

Ellenstein was drawn in by the idea of Freud, the Jewish father of psychoanalysis, debating life and religion, with C.S. Lewis, prolific children’s author and public radio host of Christian programming. Lewis is said to have won many converts for these broadcasts entitled Mere Christianity.

After reading the play and acquiring the rights, Ellenstein offered the roles to two people whom he felt would create synergy and tension. To his delight and our good fortune, both Michael Santo (Freud) and Bruce Turk (Lewis), were interested and available.

Dream analysis, oedipus complexes and repression may have been groundbreaking ideas when Freud introduced them at the turn of last century. Today, these terms are part of our nomenclature, and even high school psychology students bandy them about. C. S. Lewis, on the other hand, is less well known to us, surprisingly, considering the body of work he has amassed.

Born in Ireland, and losing his mother quite early, forced Lewis to go away to boarding school, and to sever his ties with God and his Christian faith. His re-embracing the religion, and wholeheartedly, is puzzling to Freud, and this is largely why Lewis, and Oxford University affiliated college professor, has been invited to the great analyst’s office.

Though Sigmund Freud is dying of mouth cancer, and in pain, he wants to understand what caused Lewis to doff his atheist cap and take up his Christian mantle in his 30s. Freud and North Coast Rep audiences may find an answer in the 90 minute show. In any event, the dialogue will cause viewers to question and reflect on their own beliefs and the foundations that support them. This show promises to be provocative, and if you miss it, you can’t blame your mother!

Ellenstein is thrilled to have “first class talent” taking the stage in this production. Michael Santo is an experienced veteran actor, and Bruce Turk was on this very stage for “Faded Glory”. “Both actors are in great demand,” Ellenstein said, “we’re lucky to have them.” Santo has many credits to his name, including a spoof as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Pepsi Generation, and Turk has a Shakespearean background as Trinculo from The Tempest.

This is the 33rd season for North Coast Rep and it just keeps getting better and better! Rumor has it the theater is still flirting with the idea of building a new space in which to house their bevy of special events. This season’s line up has attracted a growing subscriber base and tickets sales are on the rise. For each of this season’s shows, Marty Burnett “continues to amaze us with inventive sets.”

Aside from the seven main stage productions, the theater has two to three special events each month, Write Out Loud, Tuesday Night Comics, readings and several off night shows.

Freud’s Last Session opens October 18 and runs through November 9. Tickets available for evenings and matinees through the website or box office. www.northcoastrep.org of 858-481-1055

Oh, and if you’re wondering, how this production makes Ellenstein feel, the answer is very good.

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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com

1 thought on “Dr. Freud meets C.S. Lewis in North Coast Rep play”

  1. eva, great review, i am definitely going on the weekend performance! i have had this one on my list, but now convinced.

    hope all is well, love, linda

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