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The Prince Part 2


Power and politics are evident in the hilarious ongoing argument which opens The Prince Part 2 between Machiavelli, this time played with aplomb by Mark Farrell, and Leonardo, humorous Michael Ray Wisely, regarding the mess of the water system’s trenches in Pisa. Machiavelli, ever the diplomat, tries to get Leonardo to come up with a solution and Leonardo complains that they didn’t follow his specifications so it’s not his fault. There is lots of clever banter here, one of playwright Graves’ strengths, as Leonardo negotiates for expenses for himself and his entire family. 

Sound familiar? Reflections on a reflecting pool?

Machiavelli’s engagement of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonorroti to create a wall-sized painting of the Battle of Cascina pits the two artists, one older, the other in his prime, in a furious competition. Brennan Pickman-Thoon’s rebellious Michelangelo won’t work on a schedule. Leonardo sees it as a recruitment tool. These two characters came alive in a way no history book could manage. 

Playwright Graves uses Act 2 to put forth many of the central ideas of the 1532 edition of The Prince. Both Machiavelli and Lorenzo de Medici, forcefully acted by Kevin Singer, realize the need for the Republic of Florence to have its own army and not rely on mercenaries. Lorenzo initially comes across as an empathetic leader, concerned that there are beggars in the streets of Florence. Machiavelli demonstrates his famous idea that it is better to be feared than loved as the two men verbally spar with ideologies, and Lorenzo leans in to hear more. 

In Act 1, we hear Leonardo disparage Machiavelli’s plays, written after he was exiled from Florence. Now, we see Mondragola, written by Machiavelli, and comically acted out by three inept mafia types. It’s a hush, hush plot to get rid of a guest, Cardinal de Medici, the wealthiest man in Florence. This being a comedy, you know that all is not going to go as planned. Machiavelli will have to decide if he is one of the conspirators or if he is against them. Summing up his portrayal as a man who always asks, what will preserve me? 

This 50-seat theater nestled in the Berkeley City Club puts you up close to the actors. What you get is the actors, the brilliant dialog and, the most minimal set imaginable. Don’t miss this entertaining history of the making of Niccolò Machiavelli. 

The Prince Part 2 the life and times of Niccolo Machiavelli, World Premiere #81, written & directed by Gary Graves, costumes by Tammy Berlin, lighting by Gary Graves, sound by Gregory Scharpen. Central Works at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant, Berkeley, CA – to September 6, 2026. 


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

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