“Paradise.”

“Aaaaaabsolutely.”

“Paradise.”

“Aaaaaabsolutely.”

Beginning unassumingly, with the two characters laying in bed, Ancient History is a play that asks what exactly comprises the ideal relationship and demonstrates how even the most perfect romantic utopia can fall apart within minutes. Presented by the Adams House Theater Society, Ancient History mixes the genres of drama and comedy into one.

The show’s two characters, Ruth Pinkerstien (Lauren M. Winkler ’01) and Jack Savonarola (Tim B. Urban ’04), are thirty-somethings living in New York City, going about their lives and enjoying being in love with one another. The play takes place entirely within the space of one day in the confines of Ruth’s bedroom. Her birthday is the catalyst that prompts them to take a long hard look at their relationship, plagued with difficulties, and come to terms with their future. Ruth is a conservative Jewish girl who hopes to get married and settle down soon, like the rest of her friends. Jack is a loner, a Catholic who has already been married once and is not looking to be “tortured” again.

Ancient History’s greatest strength is the upfront manner with which it addresses religious beliefs and their compatibility in marriage, commitment to another person and, of course, sex. Some of the early scenes are a bit shocking (e.g. the extensive discussion of crabs (as in the STD) and the use of ethnic/religious slurs), but the frankness established early on lends itself to the discussions of touchy issues that come later in the play. The humor is another asset, for the serious issues are balanced by the comedy that pervades the show. Ruth and Jack are masters of biting sarcasm, making fun of intellectualism, religion, commitment and marriage.

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. The attempt fails and he lands on the bed in frustration.