Tuesday, February 4, 1997
THEATER:
Show unites UCLA, UCI students in tale of good vs. evilBy
Jasmine Pachnanda
Daily Bruin Contributor
"L’Histore du Soldat," Igor Stravinsky’s tale of a soldier torn
between spirituality and materialism, is alive with classic themes
of good vs. evil. Its universal message seems perfect for a
performance that brings together multiple performing arts
disciplines and two UC campuses.
Wednesday’s performance of "L’Historie du Soldat" (The Soldier’s
Tale) in Schoenberg Hall is the product of the department of
Intercampus Arts’ effort to bring together students, faculty and
alumni from both UCLA and UC Irvine (UCI).
"This story always elicits a gut-wrenching response," conductor
Richard Rintoul says of his choice of dramas. "There is an
emotionally packed moral."
Teresa Dimond, a percussionist and UCI faculty member, adds,
"This music is marvelous and the combination of the three things
make it one of the hallmarks of the 20th century."
The plot is somewhat of a fairy tale, dealing with the idea of
materialism and spirituality. When the soldier is forced into
certain actions to avoid eternal damnation, materialism eventually
wins out.
"The soldier’s soul can be anyone. The devil shows that you
can’t have it all," Rintoul says.
The group has shared these omni-present themes at UCI and a
local elementary school before their performance at UCLA.
"This has a great story and wild music with a dramatic twist
which everyone can like," Rintoul says.
Dimond agrees that "L’Histore du Soldat" is a story that all
ages can relate to. "With drama and action, there is something for
them to hold on to. The idea of good and evil is something even
kids are aware of. Although they look at it as more of a fairy
tale, this idea is in all classic literature."
Even though the story itself may seem like a fairy tale, there
were many obstacles the ensemble had to overcome in order to bring
together the production.
"You have to get the right personnel and get the right sound
together," Rintoul says.
Getting the right people together and battling time constraints
wasn’t an easy task. The original choreographer dropped out of the
production and the ensemble had their first complete rehearsal
together only three days before their first performance.
"It was a trauma for the actors to throw this together in a
short amount of time," Rintoul says. "But they’ve done an
incredible job."
Despite the last-minute rehearsals and other problems, Rintoul
feels this is one of the best productions of this piece that he has
been involved with.
"There is a different spirit," Rintoul says. "Everyone is really
excited and we feel that we are accomplishing something
extraordinary."
Along with this remarkable spirit comes a mutual appreciation
for each other among the members of the cast.
"We all like each other which is really important for an
ensemble piece like this," Rintoul says.
The group has a similar feeling of respect and warmth toward the
piece itself.
"I love this work," Dimond says. "It’s unusual for most
musicians to be on stage with the actors so it is interesting to
get a different perspective."
The project, which has been interesting for both the performers
as well as audiences, was made possible through a special grant
sponsored by the UC system’s Intercampus Arts department. Perhaps
Dimond sums up the advantages of the collaboration best.
"It is great that the Intercampus Art department exists so that
money is available to do these types of things. Otherwise this
production would not exist."
THEATER: "L’Histoire du Soldat" will be performed in Schoenberg
Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. Admission is free.