"I have no symptoms, I have opinions"

Synopsis: Two men, both named Alexander Ivanov, share a cell. One is a political prisoner, declared insane for his opposition to the government, and the other is a genuine madman who hears music in his head. The orchestra of his mind is represented by a real one onstage, conducted by a real conductor. The dissident's son, Sacha, struggles to understand his father's detention and, worse, his hunger strike. He becomes caught between a party-line teacher and the prison authorities trying to use the son to break his father's will.

Cast:
Richard Easton .... Alexander
David Strathairn .... Ivanov
Dennis Michael Hall .... Sacha
Paul Hecht .... the Doctor
David Howey .... the Colonel
Polly Holliday .... the Teacher

Notes:
• David collaborated with the acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra for his character's (Ivanov) musical sequences. The orchestra was conducted by Rossen Milanov.
• In reality, David reads music and, so, was able to take on the musical sequences.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
• "The actors, led by David Strathairn as Ivanov and Richard Easton as Alexander, are excellent..." -David Anthony Fox, Philadelphia City Paper

• "The mad Ivanov, in an inspired performance by David Strathairn, hears music and conducts his orchestra. The real orchestra becomes the orchestra in his head." -Kathryn Osenlund, Curtain Up

• "In a performance that reminds us that the virtuosity of the evening isn't confined to the orchestra on the stage, David Strathairn brings the lunatic Ivanov to life with manic energy." -Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer

Related Links:
Wilma Theatre - Every Good Boy Deserves Favor (off site)