Arts in Chicago - "Lost Land" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Steppenwolf Theatre Company stages the World premiere of "Lost Land" by Stephen Jeffreys and directed by Terry Johnson. The story is set near the end of World War I in a remote region of what was the Austro-Hungarian Empire in a vinery that would act as a microcosm for what was to become of the nation. Kristof, played by the famous John Malkovich, having retired from life as a public figure oversees his estate where he has a vision to transform the former ways of the aristocracy through a redistribution of land back to the peasants. A message arrives calling him to Budapest to take a role in the government allowing him to extend his vision to the entire nation. The messenger, Miklos, played by Yasen Peyankov, is given the opportunity to oversee his estate while he is away. What transpires parallels the great loss faced by Austro-Hungaria as the rapid transition from a once mighty nation to the landlocked marginalized country of Hungary. Malkovich performs his role with understated power, adding emphasis through subtlety and nuance. Set designer, James Schuette, deserves special recognition for creating the sense of a vast countryside estate replete with courtyard and a beautiful entryway to a castle. I left this play deep in thought regarding the nature of nationalism and patriotism along with a sense of loss for the a man's failed dream to transform a nation. Runs 31-Mar, 2005 - 5-Jun, 2005. Highly recommended. 4 Stars ****.