It's a legitimate question, but, for me, it is answered in CONVERSATIONS IN TUSCULUM, a new play by Richard Nelson. The entire play consists of conversations between Brutus, Cicero and Cassius at country villas while dictator Julius Caesar is waging war in Spain.
No swordplay, assassinations or sex. Just talk, and more talk (although some of it concerns sex). The reviews were mostly negative. I was lukewarm about going, but I'm a subscriber. The one good thing about negative reviews; it allows you to be pleasantly surprised.
It's NOT talk, it's drama. These men are lifelong friends and related by marriage. They each have ideas in their own minds, but are not sure what they are. Of course, we know what will happen. The drama is in seeing the germ of the idea grow within them as a result of the discussions. Part of the excitement is seeing acting of this stature which is totally committed to having otherwise dry discourse become dramatically alive.
Amazingly, the talk seems perfectly natural for these particular historical figures and - at the same time! - illuminating about the challenges in today's America. The parallel between President Bush's policies and Caesar's is arrived at through the organic development of dramatic themes. It is never strained.
THIS is the purpose of a Public Theatre. This play will probably be forgotten after the next election (although it shouldn't be). But, for a little over two hours, we are persuaded to think about our own choices as citizens in a new way, and that is stimulating.
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