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Are we our work? Three characters explore this question along with many others in Adam Bock?s intelligent comedy [tag]The Typographer?s Dream[/tag]. [tag]Encore Theatre Company[/tag] and [tag]The Shotgun Players[/tag] present a nearly flawless production of this witty and insightful work at the Ashby Stage in Berkeley through September 3.

The premise is simple: a geographer and stenographer join the title character in a panel discussion about their different careers. Each soon discovers that the qualities which allow them to excel in their jobs are having an adverse impact on their personal lives. Bock?s style with dialogue is distinctive but does not overshadow the ideas and psychological truths he explores. Even more notably, he makes the journey with sharp wit and humor born of engagingly recognizable characters.

As geographer Annalise, Jamie Jones is a delightfully straight-laced school teacher. Jones embodies Annalise with likeable exuberance, whether the character is shattering personal boundaries or hilariously kicking up her heels after a little too much wine. Aim?e Guillot?s typographer, Margaret, is not as high-spirited but is instead conflicted about the passion that brought her to her career versus the manipulations she is asked to participate in through her art. Guillot conveys youthful intensity and is believably genuine as the artist at a crossroads. The only blemish on her performance is a tendency to race through text that is rich and interesting.

Rounding up the trio, Michael Shipley is dynamite as meticulously detailed stenographer, Dave. Dave moves from invisible observer in the courtroom to relegating himself to a secondary role in his real life. Fortunately, this charmer is anything but invisible. Shipley?s timing is impeccable, and his commitment makes moments seem spontaneous and fresh.

The talented cast is ably led by director Anne Kauffman. Kauffman guides the performers in imbuing Bock?s words with vivid subtext, fleshing out real people and garnering a wealth of laughs. Her staging makes excellent use of the levels in the intimate theatre space, enhanced with suitably subtle and functional choices by set designer James Faerron. Chris Studley?s lighting rises to the challenge of scenes quickly shifting between the seminar and the night before. The swift but smooth transitions enhance when they could easily distract. The costumes by Valera Coble are fitting, though the typographer reads a bit younger than the text suggests.

?You want to change the world? Change the way the story is told.? Adam Bock takes his own words to heart with The Typographer?s Dream. It?s a fascinating and funny script, and the Encore/Shotgun production is a dynamic and highly entertaining interpretation of it. Running a tight hour and fifteen minutes, there is time after the performance to go out with theatre companions and discuss Bock?s ideas which will resonate long after curtain call. For tickets or information, call (510) 841-6500 or visit www.encoretheatrecompany.org or www.shotgunplayers.org.

[tags]theatre review[/tags]

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