What if Violet was your mother?

When Aristotle described theatre in his Poetics, he said tragedies must include opsis (Greek for spectacle). The Elizabethans also believed in creating spectacle, though too much could be seen as witchcraft. In this regard, the Ahmanson Theatre’s production of August: Osage County did not disappoint. The detailed 3-storied Oklahoma home sitting on the premium stage like a giant doll house was a spectacle in itself, but was not to be outdone by the performance of Estelle Parsons as Violet Weston. Encompassed in a sea of painkillers, alcohol and cigarettes, Violet summons her immediate family to her home after the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Beverly. The first indication that something is seriously wrong with the Weston family comes with Violet, played by the 82 year old actress, tromping down the stairs like a lightning speed bobble-head. With insanity and chaos swarming the house, eldest daughter Barbara attempts to take control of the house. The show is funny, tragic, horrific, engaging and utterly brilliant. Among the pill popping matriarch, missing patriarch, sexual infidelity, incest, drunken brawls, and betrayal is a potent truth that spoke to me on multiple levels. And you thought your family was dysfunctional? The characters are sharp witted with biting tongues. They dealt insults with epic Shakespearian-like power. The 3 hours performance flew by in a flash and standing ovations were to be had for all.

Performances are Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; No performances on Mondays. September 9 through October 18, 2009. Tickets are $20-80. The Ahmanson: 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A.. For more info call (213) 972-4400 or visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.