Central Works, a small and inviting theatre nestled in the heart of architect Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club, is renowned for producing bold and innovative new plays. Their latest production, “The Last Goat,” is no exception.
Playwright and Director Gary Graves masterfully cloaks his plays in historical settings that resonate with the political and personal themes of today. In “The last Goat,” we’re transported to the 12th century BC, to the Greek island of Kasos, where two women struggle to survive in isolation. Their last hope? A single goat.
The production unfolds on a sparce stage—two stone benches and an ancient, water-filled copper pitcher mark the “large room” of their modest home—an effective minimalist set enhances the focus on the characters’ emotions. A long sword is prominent as their only protection. They do not know if the war ranging around them has ended. A constant feeling of doom fills the air
Jan Zvaifler as Melina
Overbearing Melina (Jan Zvaifler) and her anxious granddaughter, Kori (Liris Robles), labor tediously to survive. Endless chores consume their days. Melina demands that the unhappy Kori settle into the routine and remain on the island with her. But Kori dreams of escape. She longs to see the world and makes no secret of her desire to leave. Her only lifeline is a small boat she uses for fishing.
Liris Robles as Kori
We are thrust into their isolation—two women constantly at odds, like magnets repelling each other.
Then, a tattered young man named Nikolis washes ashore, remembering little of how he arrived. The tension escalates. He claims to be the son of a wealthy king and mistook Kori for a goddess-princess. Melina, wary and wise to the ways of manipulative men, warns Kori that he may be plotting to marry her only to secure the land.
Kori will have none of it. Determined to leave, she plans to set sail—with or without him. Nikolis agrees to meet her, and together they vow to escape the island. She accepts his proposal.
Andre Amarotico* as Professor Bull/Nikolis
A fourth presence looms throughout their story: the gods themselves. Unseen but deeply felt, their influence echoes in mysterious bird calls—sounds each character hears and responds to in their own way.
The pace of the play is noteworthy as the audience is kept absorbed throughout the 80 minutes.
The acting is superb, all three capture our attention and hold our interest. All three bring us to the depth of their characters’ hurts and needs, especially Zvaifler and Robles, Robles adding a great voice and beautiful song.
An underlying question still floats in the air: What happens if the goat dies? What if that most important need for the survival of the island and its inhabitants die? Can it be compared to our own constitution, on the verge of collapse—akin to the Bronze Age?
Central Works has hit a high note with “The Last Goat.” Be sure to see it!
“The Last Goat” written and directed by Gary Graves, sound and projection by Gregory Scharpen, lighting by Gary Graves, costumes by Tammy Berlin, at Central Works, Berkeley, California. Info: www.central works.org – to July 27, 2025.
Cast: Andre Amarotico*, Liris Robles, and Jan Zvaifler.
Photos: Robbie Sweeny