Synopsis: The play follows Mike, a Neo-Nazi skinhead on trial for murder, defended by a Jewish legal-aid lawyer. Danny, the lawyer, prides himself on his liberal tolerance. He must come to terms with the feelings Mike unearths in him. And Mike's life is suddenly in the hands of a man whom he wishes were dead. As both men reluctantly agree to work together, they realize that more than their beliefs are on the line. In this confrontation, their very lives hang in the balance.

Cast:
David Strathairn .... Danny Dunkelman
Jason Field .... Mike

Notes:
• David starred in the premiere production of Cherry Docs, which was written and conceived by David Gow.
• David, four years after starring in the play, jumped back into the role of Danny Dunkelman for the film version of Cherry Docs, retitled Steel Toes. See this site's page on the upcoming film for much more information.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
• "He [director Jiri Zizka] has also allowed his actors to find one emotional level and remain there. For David Strathairn (Danny), at least it's a very high level. He's an excellent actor with an arresting and committed presence, and Zizka is lucky to have him: Strathairn makes the writing seem better than it is (though he would of course be even stronger in a more nuanced role)." -David Anthony Fox, Philadelphia City Paper

• "The acting is a display of earnest virtuosity in service to a cause--no histrionics in a play where histrionics would be understandable, and no virtuosity for its own sake. It is understated and controlled, reflecting good direction and allowing the play to soar toward the end when you want it to. The use of music, composed by Adam Wernick, is restrained. Because of its poetic, evocative writing and because its message is not simplistic, the play is quite profound." -Kathryn Osenlund, Curtain Up

(David On His Role:)
• [on the play] "A gutsy play. It's a delicate fabric--what makes up a belief system. There's a visceral, emotionally charged situation. Our task is to engage the audience so that, while there are certainties within the script, they're not always sure. We must keep up the theatricality--the pulse, the danger. They mustn't sit back and say, 'Oh--we're in a thoughtful play.'" -David Strathairn, 2000

• "Cherry Docs is an important play, and the fact that it hasn't yet been done in the United States is daunting but exciting--there's a lot of responsibility in that." -David Strathairn, 2000

• "Jiri's [the director] very incisive. He has an instinct for this material, the ability to understand coded language. The scale is tricky--it should be confusing and it should be clear. We're lucky to have this play in his hands." -David Strathairn, 2000

(Jason Paul Field On David:)
• "David Strathairn had a huge impact on me when I worked with him. He raised the bar. He was more than just a great actor...he was a great man. He had more compassion for humanity than anyone I had known up to that point. He was a bit salty, but it wasn't personal, it was because he was on a quest and not willing to be diverted for something as trivial as courteous formality. At the time, I wasn't exactly sure what was driving him. I was like, 'Dude, you have been in some great movies, you have made it, you are living the dream, you hang out with Kevin Bacon, what could you possibly be seeking to quench your thirst?' I couldn't figure it out then, but I figured it out tonight watching him [in Good Night, And Good Luck], and I realised it is the same fire that burns in me, and perhaps all actors...its the desire to find and expose the truth." -Jason Paul Field, co-star

Related Links:
Official U.S. Site (off site)
Wilma Theatre - Cherry Docs (off site)
Official Jason Paul Field Site - Cherry Docs (off site)