Stage Reviews : A Harsh View of Life in ‘Through the Leaves’

German playwright Franz Xavier Kroetz is fascinated watching people self-destruct. Or, at least following them through the mire of purposeless lives. His view is harsh and too sadly real in “Through the Leaves,” at Theatre 6470. And it shows the effect of desperate loneliness even on those with more going for them than Otto and Martha.

Jill Holden and Eric Kohner capture the dark colors and cobwebbed corners of these fugitives from happiness, and the few glimpses of humanity they rarely share.

Holden’s chubby Martha, proprietor of a “utility meat” butcher shop, makes a good living, but finds happiness only in the romantic imaginings of her diary, while her shiftless boyfriend sponges on her, then denies it. The actors play their hunger and need with subtlety and depth.

Jonathan Gordon’s direction is taut and detailed, but his decision to give the piece an American ambience is not necessary, and suits neither the play, the performances nor Ted J. Crittenden’s fine set, which is European to its deepest shadow.

* “Through the Leaves,” Theatre 6470, 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Feb. 21. $12.50-$15; (213) 466-1767. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.