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| Photo by Erin Lartonoix. |
Theatre UCF presents Sarah Ruhl's contemporary drama Eurydice
from February 21-March 3, 2013.
Based on the Greek myth of the musician Orpheus, Ruhl's Eurydice observes the story from the
perspective of his wife, Eurydice. In the legend, Eurydice dies and Orpheus can
save her by leading her out of the underworld, as long as he does not turn to
look back at her following him. However, he cannot resist and she is destined
to remain in the underworld forever.
Ruhl's script introduces an additional character,
Eurydice's deceased father, who is already in the underworld. The cast is
rounded out with a man/child who tempts Eurydice into the underworld and a
chorus of stones.
BFA Musical Theatre student Deirdre Manning, who plays the title
role of Eurydice, describes the show in one word: "imaginative."
The production has many abstract elements, and Director Julia
Listengarten has created unconventional worlds for the characters and audience
members to explore. Characters slip between the underworld and overworld with
ease, using a fireman's pole as a vehicle. Letters are written on the string of
a violin, in glowing sand, or with a toss of confetti.
Even the movement and language is different in these new worlds.
The chorus of stones has its own method of communication. Movement Director
Anna Carol (MFA Acting) worked with the chorus to create a unique personality
for the stones. The stones echo each other, and speak with a popping staccato.
Their movement is merely reactive; they only move when prompted by another
character.
Listengarten "hopes audiences come with an open mind and
interested in collaborating with us, trying to understand the worlds we are
creating, not just on logical, rational level but on a visceral level."
Manning connects more with the themes of the play. "This script is
beautiful. Everyone can connect with a story about love and loss. It is
universal."
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| Photo by Erin Lartonoix |
Theatre UCF kicks off the new year with the provocative play Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The production runs on the Main Stage from January 17-27.
Based
on a novel written in 1782 by Choderlos de Laclos, the story has lived
through many adaptations. The novel fell out of favor for many years,
but was adapted for stage, and later screen, by Christopher Hampton and
has since enjoyed a renewed popularity.
In 1982 Hampton's screen adaptation Dangerous Liaisons starred John Malkovich and Glenn Close. In 1989 the story was reinterpreted again as Valmont, starring Colin Firth and Annette Bening. It was adapted again in 1999 under the title Cruel Intentions, and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon.
Director
Dr. Donald Seay admits that some people may find the content of the
play challenging and disturbing. "It is the perverse story of two
venomous rivals who, for their own amusement and to settle scores,
seduce and corrupt a young lady and a pious married woman."
"It
is certainly a very interesting script, though," he continues, "and
presents some wonderful acting and design opportunities for our faculty
and students."
BFA Acting student Stephanie Recio is performing
the role of Le Presidente de Tourvel, a virtuous young married woman
known for her strict morals and religious fervor.
Recio says her
character is one of the few in the play who has redeeming qualities. "I
think Tourvel bears all of the innocence in a play that is really harsh
and cruel. When I first read it, I had a lot of trouble understanding
my character--how could she not see through these people? Tourvel gives
everyone the benefit of the doubt."
The play is set during an
opulent time, and the scenic and costume designs reflect that. The
realistic set was designed by Joseph Rusnock, who also designed the
grand sets for Deathtrap and Side Show. The elaborate
costumes are designed by Daniel M. Jones and for the most part have been
built in the costume shop by Theatre UCF staff and students.
"The
costumes are beautiful!" says Recio. "My dress is three or four feet
wide, which makes it hard to move around. It helps me with period
movement, though. There's only so much the language can do to put you in
a time period. The costume restricts how I move. Standing up from a
couch was different in the 1700s, and the dress helps me move in a way
more fitting to the time."
Seay warns against looking too deeply into the script for hidden messages.
"If there is a message to Les Liaisons Dangereuses,
it is certainly ambiguous. And is perhaps this very ambiguity that
makes the story successful. It allows the audience member the freedom to
interpret the tale. The wit and eloquence of the characters is
certainly engaging and, like a good mystery, the questions of 'Who is
sincere? What is true?' holds your attention," he says.
"Like a
train wreck, the story reels you in--it engages you, troubles you and at
times chills your blood. If I had to pick a message I suppose it would
have something to do about the dangers of trying to win at any cost."
Buy tickets for Les Liaisons Dangereuses online at theatre.ucf.edu or call 407-823-1500.
