'Defiance' leaves no doubt as to its worth

The transgression that underscores John Patrick Shanley's "Defiance" is not that of a soldier refusing to obey an order, it's that of a man refusing to champion a cause greater than himself. In this case, it's two men: an ambitious Lt. Colonel, who advances his own interests under the guise of racial reform, and a black captain, who having lost hope in reform the day Martin Luther King was assassinated, rejects the cause entirely. For its Chicago-area premiere, Next Theatre Company drafted local favorite Steve Pickering. Few actors are better equipped to realize the flawed colonel than Pickering, Next's former artistic director, whose galvanizing performance marks his triumphant return to the Evanston theater for the first time in 10 years. As homecomings go, Pickering's was long overdue. And worth the wait. Fluently directed by artistic director Jason Loewith, this blistering show features superb acting from Pickering and Osiris Khepera as career military officers who succumb to self-interest, disillusionment and their unwillingness to accept the responsibility their positions demand. "Defiance" is the second in Shanley's proposed trilogy, which began with 2005's Pulitzer and Tony-winning "Doubt." Like its predecessor, "Defiance" is a provoking, sharply written examination of power, duty and loyalty set against the backdrop of race and religion. Echoing the earlier play, it begins with a direct address, unfolds as a series of tightly constructed scenes and concludes with a confession. It has the same economical storytelling, wry humor and self-righteous characters that defined "Doubt." And while not as pristinely crafted (It's a bit ponderous and character motivations aren't always clear or credible), "Defiance" is a darn fine play in its own right. The well-cast production also includes fine work from Laura T. Fisher in a clipped, wonderfully insightful performance as a colonel's wife. Joseph Wycoff whose discreet, comic turn as an affable chaplain with insidious intent also deserves mention, along with newcomer David Rispoli as a soldier betrayed by his superior. Like "Doubt," which takes place during the early 1960s and centers on the U.S. Catholic Church, "Defiance" unfolds within the confines of a major cultural institution during an especially tumultuous time. The year is 1971. The institution is the U.S. Marine Corps, specifically North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, a base rocked by racial violence and suffering the effects of increasing cynicism over U.S. failure in Vietnam.To quell the unrest, the open-minded, seemingly decent base commander Lt. Colonel Littlefield (a purposeful, laser-sharp Pickering), enlists the aid of Captain Lee King, a black Vietnam vet (played with ramrod restraint by Khepera) investigating the race-related crimes. Littlefield sees cleaning up the base as a way to advance his career. To that end, he turns the unwilling King into his prot#233;g#233;. Reluctant to "make a monument of his life" King rejects the role of black standard bearer Littlefield and Chaplain White (Wycoff) -- an evangelical zealot with a petty streak and talent for manipulation -- try to impose upon him.King wants only to do his job without engaging in racial concerns. Like Littlefield's wife Margaret (Fisher), King observes from the sidelines. But where Margaret's gender and civilian status prevent her participation, King's gender and rank make his imperative. "You're not just yourself," says Littlefield, "#8230; you represent change." Like it or not, he is obligated to act. A charge of misconduct (an effective cameo by Rispoli) forces a confrontation between Littlefield and King that leads to the titular act. It's a riveting scene with an electrifying performance by Khepera (revealing the ferocity behind the character's impassivity) that equals Pickering's in its intensity. Going toe-to-toe with a veteran, the young actor never loses his footing."Defiance" 3 1/2 stars out of fourLocation: Next Theatre Company, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., EvanstonTimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 9 Running time: About 90 minutes, no intermission Tickets: $23-$38Parking: Metered and street parking available Box office: (847) 475-1875, ext. 2, or www.nexttheatre.orgRating: For adults, contains sexual references, strong language 512318Steve Pickering, left, Joseph Wycoff, Laura T. Fisher and Osiris Khepera star in Next Theatre's blistering "Defiance," John Patrick Shanley's follow-up to his Pulitzer and Tony-winning "Doubt."