Gary Graves Links Renaissance Turmoil to Tyranny Today

 by Jenyth Jo

In “The Prince Part 2,” playwright Gary Graves uses cunning linguistic dexterity to dramatize conflict and choices among the feuding Renaissance Florentines. Graves deftly directs Machiavelli’s evolution from a stalwart pro-Republic thinker who wants to unite all of Italy into an “ends justify the means” politician.

As Secretary/Chancellor of the ruling council, Machiavelli (fabulous Mark Farrell) maneuvers around factions in Florence, trying to govern the embattled city-state.

At his best in longer speeches, Farrell ramps up Machiavelli’s arguments with striking facial expressions and physical gestures. He embodies power in the form of intellect as he cajoles the older Leonardo da Vinci (stellar Michael Ray Wisely) and the younger Michelangelo (sensational Brennan Pickman-Thoon). Machiavelli wants da Vinci and Michelangelo to compete by decorating opposing walls in the Republic’s Council Room. What a dream team of actors!

The two artists erupt in passionate arguments on science and art, depicting the human form, and the age-old debate over subjectivity in painting. Face-to-face, Wisely and Pickman-Thoon create an unforgettable duo.

Their generational clash ramps up tensions, inflaming the legendary artists. Neither wants to paint the war scene, but both need the money. Wisely’s egotistical da Vinci cannot finish a project. Think Reflecting Pool.

As da Vinci, Wisely entertains, seduces, and screams, demanding proper clothes for his entourage of artists. Every moment on stage with him is a delight, whether it’s a nuanced thought or a loud boast, in costumes that display his eccentricity.

Pickman-Thoon’s sexy shirtless Michelangelo asserts that God is his only master. Michelangelo’s faith (and love of naked men in his paintings) clashes brilliantly with da Vinci’s aesthetic and Machiavelli’s practicality. Machiavelli dismisses divine intervention, and we believe he remains loyal to the Republic to avoid the looming Medici takeover.

The show sparkles when lines reflect current politics. How does Florence free itself from hiring unreliable mercenaries? Machiavelli simply creates military funding. When da Vinci’s canal system fails because Machiavelli refuses to spend the money to dig the trenches deep enough, we recall the floods at New Orleans. Where do we spend our money?

At the center of intrigue and deception, Machiavelli’s return to power in Florence is at stake. Lorenzo de Medici (Kevin Singer) calls his former teacher, Machiavelli, into private conference in the Old Palace. We enjoy 50 minutes of their intense posturing, while the first manuscript of The Prince sits on Lorenzo’s desk.

In his tailored suit, Singer portrays Lorenzo as a ruler with peaceful intent. But his calm bursts into fury when Machiavelli advises taking vengeance on three enemies simultaneously.

Machiavelli retires and writes a new comedy, “Mandragola.” With exquisite physical comedy, three last-minute, substitute actors play out satirical, treasonous moves that raise our spirits. Marah Sotelo, as Zenobia, adds revolutionary spirit to the closing scene, with Wisely and Singer in delightfully doofus roles. We understand the joke long before Machiavelli.

With terrific moments of humor and self-recognition, this play reminds us how Putin and Trump have implemented Machiavelli’s advice: Control the military and legal systems. Keep the people confused and scared. And a tyrant can maintain political power.

 

“The Prince, Part 2” –written & directed by Gary Graves, costumes by Tammy Berlin, sound by Gregory Scharpen, at Central Works, Berkeley.

Info: centralworks.org – to September 6, 2026.

Cast: Mark Farrell, Michael Ray Wisely, Brennan Pickman-Thoon, Kevin Singer, and Marah Sotelo.

Banner photo: Mark Farrell, Kevin Singer, Marah Sotelo, Brennan Pickman-Thoon, Michael Ray Wisely. Photos by Robbie Sweeny

Both “Parts 1 and 2” will be playing during the shows’ final weekend: Sept. 5 & 6, 2026.