“Seminar”: A Cynical Writing Teacher Plays with Souls—at Live Oak
Harrison Alter and David Patino
Theresa Rebeck’s Hilarious MFA Class Scores!
by Robert M. Gardner
As a writer and teacher, I found “Seminar” to be both fascinating and a delight. Playwright Theresa Rebeck’s cynical, self-centered MFA writing professor runs an expensive and scary class. Her fast-paced, witty dialogue keeps us on our toes as sexual banter and insults flow freely.
Four aspiring writers seek direction from accomplished author Leonard (powerful Harrison Alder). Each student pays five thousand dollars to be tutored by the successful writer. But Leonard is a boastful world traveler who acts aloof and superior.
The harsh teacher rudely dismisses the efforts of four students who come with their own needy egos and fears, making them vulnerable to his attacks. Leonard is not a kind or generous teacher, but instead uses abuse to cow his students. Because of his stature, the students accept his insults. Leonard struggles to remember their names and barely reads their work. Lazily, he attacks a student’s story after reading just the first few lines.
Chika Okonkwo, David Patino, Kristy Aquino, and Michael Carlos
Director Enrico Banson displays firm control of an intricate plot, balancing complicated relationships between characters. We are torn between liking the characters and finding them distasteful. Each student comes with their own set of problems: Kate is privileged, Martin is broke, Izzy is seductive, and Douglas is arrogant.
Sparkling Chika Okonkwo plays Kate, the resident of her family’s swank rent-controlled Manhattan apartment. The seminar takes place in her desirable Upper West Side apartment, But Kate is reluctant to reveal her low rent to the other poor writers. She wants to downplay how fortunate her family is to have a view of the river. Kate’s evasions are priceless.
But Martin (fiery David Patino) points out that her rent-control constitutes “socialism for the rich.” He put out his last $5,000 for this class and resents the whole set-up.
Chika Okonkwo and David Patino
Sexual tension and attraction jump between students and the teacher, too. With a serious lack of ethics, Leonard uses his position to seduce the women he teaches. Dynamic Douglas (Michael Carlos), Kate’s boyfriend, questions his unethical conduct.
Douglas has written a great number of pages, and he believes his ability to write volumes makes him superior. Unfortunately, the quality of his writing is feeble, and Leonard calls him a “whore.”
In contrast, charming Izzy (delightful Kristy Aquino) and Kate see their special connection to Leonard a big boost to their careers. But Izzy suffers from writer’s block and can only write two pages. So, she relies upon her sexuality to offset her inadequacy.
Kristy Aquino and Harrison Alter
Since “art imitates life,” I discovered many connections to my own life in each character. Unsure about my own writing, about revealing my own insecurities, and yet eager to become a better writer, I am drawn to their struggles. Even Leonard has a vulnerable side.
“Seminar” challenges and delights, as we follow the highs and lows of students and teacher. We live vicariously through them. “Seminar” becomes a feast for both mind and soul as we explore our own humanity.
“Seminar” by Theresa Rebeck, directed by Enrico Banson, original music by Jerica Banson, set coordination by Martin Farrell, lighting design by Carrie Mullen, intimacy director Angelina La Barre, by The Royal Underground Theatre Company, at Live Oak Theatre, Berkeley, California
Info: theroyalunderground.org - to September 28, 2025.
Cast Harrison Alter, Kristy Aquino, Michael Carlos, Chika Okonkwo, and David Patino.
