The lights rise on a human pile of trash at the beginning of the new play THE ANTS. Ranting almost non-sensically this person spouts a circuitous monologue about possesions. Then, along comes Nami (Nicky Boulos), a down-on-his-luck loser. He is chatting on his cell phone with his older brother Shahid (Ryan Shrime). Nami needs a place to stay for the night as a ferocious storm rolls into town. While Nami has a place to seek shelter, our friend on the street is left behind with a few coins from Nami’s pockets. It’s a brief interaction, and a rather strange one yet it presents a nebulous thesis from which the show launches. Directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh and thoughtfully written by Ramiz Monsef, THE ANTS explores themes of possession and entitlement. Does the amount of effort put forth to acquire security equal the right to have it? When is compassion warranted? We get to all of this and more through a thought-provoking, mostly successful, and technically impressive staging at the Geffen Playhouse now through July 30.

Nami arrives at his brother Shahid’s house which is perched high atop a hill. As the rains move in, we learn about the secure, ivory tower that Shahid lives in. His wife Meredith (Megan Hill) has refurbished the posh home and designed a state-of-the-art security system operated by a central piece of technology called The Brain (Voiced by Hugo Armstrong). At a moment’s notice, the entire compound can be secured with thick steel and an electric moat. Cameras are nestled in every angle to scope the surroundings. Virtually nothing can get into the pristine abode. That is except for ants.

Shahid’s wife Meredith arrives home and politely greets Nami, quietly getting the assurance that Nami will only be there overnight. It is clear that Meredith is the one that runs the show. In fact, the now-vegan Shahid is forced to go back down the hill for Almond milk, after a fumbled grocery delivery. This leaves Nami and Meredith in the home to prepare a feast of kale and mushrooms. Nami, to his pleasure, ordered a pizza for himself and awaits the delivery. Then society begins to crumble outside. A violent uprising of the homeless and underprivileged takes place, trapping Nami and Meredith within impenetrable safety, Shahid out in the mele, and worst of all, a pizza on the way in danger of getting lost.

Carolyn Mraz’s remarkable set is the rightful star of the show. Assisted by Hana S, Kim’s production design, and Pablo Santiago’s lighting, This impenetrable fortress of safety and exclusion is a dazzling creation. It helps too that, the cast ranges from acceptable to noteworthy. While Boulos is fine, perhaps a bit too much, as the street-smart ruffian visiting his brother and Shrime’s Shahid is a utilitarian, disposable character, the other two members of the ensemble shine. Jeremy Radin recalls John Carroll Lynch’s work on American Horror Story with his lumbering pizza delivery guy. The star, however, is Hill as Meredith. Let’s be clear. I wanted a Meredith Play. I could have watched this character for the entire runtime wrestling with what it is to earn, be entitled, and be human. Her prickly, controlling presence was a delicious treat of a character.

As mentioned THE ANTS explores some dense themes of possession, ownership, and entitlement that are muddled by the complexities of humanity. It succeeds, mostly,  but stumbles when it tries to fold in on the equally important and perplexing issues regarding patriarchal society. That, in itself, is its own show.

Despite minor notes, THE ANTS is an engrossing night of theatre. I eagerly await Monsef’s next piece and hope that it contains even more acerbic wit and observation. I also wait for Hill’s next role, whatever it is. Meredith 2?

Monday: No performance

Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets currently priced at $39.00 – $129.00. Available by phone at 310.208.2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org. Fees may apply.