The historical memory play "Golda's Balcony" catches up with former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir toward the end of her life. She is 80 or thereabouts, still vigorous and determined not to let age or illness slow her down.

Or is she?

This fast-paced one-woman drama packs a lot of information into 95 minutes. But like an interesting conversation with the person next to you on a plane, the acquaintance progresses quickly, and only so far.

As a result, William Gibson, who also wrote "The Miracle Worker," has done a far better job at sketching a world leader in broad strokes than he has at providing a truly personal portrait of a woman.

Set in flashbacks that bounce back and forth from the 1973 Yom Kippur War in which Meir played a decisive role, "Golda's Balcony" is a complicated piece in a complicated world. It is at once a period piece and timeless.

At Indianapolis Civic Theatre, the set pieces remain fixed, with a boardroom to the audience's left and a bedroom to the right.

Now, Meir spends more time in the boardroom than the boudoir. That's probably a good thing for all kinds of reasons.

From the playwright's point of view, the choice could mean that Meir's dual and often dueling worlds were far from equal. Looking back from the vantage point of old age, she finally does admit that her all-consuming effort to form the state of Israel took a toll on her and those around her, especially her husband, Morris. "I ruined his life," she said.

To a great degree, Miki Mathioudakis overcomes the distant nature of Meir's character by giving a brilliant performance. Mathioudakis is clearly committed to the character: She is a stylish woman made dowdy, an ex-smoker who chain-smokes, and a Hoosier of Greek heritage who takes on an Upper-Midwestern accent spiced with Jewish inflection.

Equally impressive is the multimedia production that goes on behind Mathioudakis. While his set doesn't change, Ryan Koharchik's spectacular multimedia design evolves constantly, with moonlit cityscapes giving way to black-and-white images of important figures in Meir's life.

Beyond that, Civic artistic director Robert J. Sorbera could not have chosen a more timely moment to present this piece. Early next year, Israel is expected to have an election to determine whether Tzipi Livni will become Israel's first female prime minister since Meir.

'Golda's Balcony'

What: A play by William Goldman.

When: Through Nov. 16.

Where: Indianapolis Civic Theatre.

Bottom line: A brilliant, committed portrayal of a world leader worth knowing.