Sam Shepard’s work is always fascinating. And a good mounting of even his most enigmatic plays can prove mesmerizing, if a wee–bit maddening. Understanding Shepard is key. But Shep-comprehension can be a bit like logarithms--unless you're from tthe Midwest...and can speak poet.

I caught two lesser know Shep one acts: Geography of a Horse Dreamer & Chicago, (running in rep with Icarus’ Mother). Directed with manic glee by Ann Bowen & Tom Amici, respectively--in the intimately tiny Big Little Theatre--the results yielded exciting as well as exasperating theatre.

Some of the head scratching-ness is due to Shep’s beguiling if obtuse poetry since most of the actor’s assembled seemed to truly immerse themselves into the milieu of the playwright’s distinctly etched Americana.

Horse Dreamer finds the victimized Cody (Tom Pavey in an amazing performance) being held against his will by a couple of mob errand boys because of his abilities to ’dream’ winners of horse races--although, of late, he is in a bit of a slump. The character of Cody can be viewed as a metaphor for the artist struggling to maintain his identity...his voice...and be able to pursue his vision in a world that would prefer he yield to societal pressures and exploitation. The play is quite savage and satiric right up until it’s deliberately silly deus ex machina ending--almost as if Shep wants to find hope where there isn’t any.

Do ’horse dreamers’ really exist? Damned if I know. Either way the play is an inventive indictment of what society does to its misfits...its artists... What can I say about the madcap Chicago? Well, first and foremost Tim Scott is captivating as Stu, the loon splashing around in the bathtub. This oddball one-act soars or sinks depending on the casting of it’s verbose lead. Luckily Scott is on hand to deliver a tour de force of lunacy and profundity--simultaneously. What is it about? Well, it seems to take place in an alternate reality...a dream-like one. It may be an indictment of the cutthroat corporate world (specific to the yuppie 80’s but certainly valid today). It may be a meditation on an artist attempting to survive in a value-less, meaningless, money-obsessed, "dirty" culture. It could have something to do with evolution. It may simply be a verbal mosaic of platitudes ending with a lesson on how to breathe properly. I do heartily recommend it (both plays, actually) because it is enthralling theatre. Regardless of what you may take away with you. I promise you will not be bored! I am looking forward to more Shepard from this admirably ambitious and talented troupe.