In mortal combat

At the start of Wit, Dr. Vivian Bearing is the unquestioned master of life and death--at least as they appear in the Holy Sonnets of John Donne. Then a diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer forces the imposing professor to get acquainted with both on different--and more immediate--terms. In Margaret Edson's elegant, moving, 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the doctor finally comes out from behind elevated mind games to face not only illness and suffering but her own humanity. Here, director Haskell Fitz-Simons defangs Mary Rowland's otherwise impressive lead performance: Her Dr. Bearing is about as intimidating as a neighbor pouring us a second cup of coffee. But the impact of the central point remains unchanged in this production: Even metaphysical brilliance excuses none of us from the ultimate final exam. Wit remains at Raleigh Little Theatre through Feb. 26. Call 821-3111 for tickets.

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