Wednesday, October 7, 1998
Production’s outdoor scenery can’t rival talent of actors
ON-CAMPUS: Demeter troupe presents first-ever play, a love story
written by revolutionary writer Robert Sheridar
By Kate Herold
Daily Bruin Contributor
The roller coaster ride of emotions some like to call love is
not a new topic to the average playwright. Yet presenting this
popular topic in a way that makes the audience think and laugh at
the same time is.
This intertwinement of humor and anger, presented in what can
often be considered controversial language, is the basis behind
"The Rivals," which the Los Angeles-based Demeter Theater will
perform on Thursday and Friday for free behind Powell Library.
The revolutionary Robert Sheridan wrote "The Rivals," which
centers around the trials of love experienced by two different
couples in 1775.
The adaptation being performed at UCLA, however, will be
produced in a modern setting, with few props and no set.
This interpretation, which will fill the grassy area behind
Powell, was the brainchild of director Jennifer Epps, who stated
that it is important the actors be able to express themselves
without any outside influences.
"I wanted the actors to stand on their own and not have to
compete with a fancy set or period costumes that move in a certain
way," said Epps, who recently moved to the United States from
Canada.
"All of the costumes are modern but still represent each of the
characters."
In addition, Epps explained that each of the actors chose his or
her own costume, depending on how they wanted to represent their
particular character.
Patrick Hancock, who plays the part of Captain Absolute,
explained that "The Rivals" adapted particularly well to an outdoor
setting because of the time period in which it was written.
"Classical work being performed outdoors is pretty much how it
should be," said Hancock.
"The space at UCLA is a perfect background. Hopefully people
will walk by and happen upon it and stop to watch."
Gary Collier, also a performer in the show, explained that the
outdoor setting can also challenge one as an actor.
"You have to be so much bigger," said Collier. "There’s a lot of
intricate things that get lost when you’re outside. But there is
enough in the show that the message will transcend to the
audience."
"The Rivals" was the first major play written by Sheridan.
Sheridan was known for speaking openly within his plays about the
flaws in society, as well as writing about flawed characters rather
than presenting characters that are too perfect to be human.
The Hancock’s character of Captain Absolute represents one of
these conflicted characters. Captain Absolute was born into a rich
family but attempts to impress an idealistic girl by pretending to
be poor. He is left struggling with whether or not to continue his
charade or to reveal the truth once he has gained her love.
Collier, who plays the part of Sir Anthony (an angry,
chauvinistic father), said that he enjoys playing these type of
flawed characters – but that they can often be difficult to
interpret.
"We tried to make the character like a real person," said
Collier, "but it is difficult not to fall into playing all the
cliches."
The production of "The Rivals" is especially significant because
it is the first production for Demeter Theater, an acting company
that takes its name from the Greek goddess of agriculture.
According to Epps, the purpose of the troupe is to "present
plays which ask tough questions and challenge the audience into
carefully examining themselves and society."
Hancock said that it is these complexities within the characters
that allow the play to stand on its own, transcending the gap
between the 18th century, when it was written, and the present
day.
"The complexities of the relationships is the one thing that has
made this play last as long as it has," said Hancock.
Epps said that she gravitates toward characters such as these,
which makes Sheridan’s play such a perfect piece for the Demeter
Theater.
"That’s what makes the character interesting, when they have
both good and bad in them," said Epps. "People have moments when
they shine, even when they are a villain."
Sheridan’s criticism of controversial aspects of society, such
as the treatment of women in the 18th century, appealed to the
revolutionary minds of young people.
One of his best know quotes, which is actually part of "The
Rivals," urges young people to not look to the past, but to instead
aim all of their retrospection toward the future.
The Demeter Theater plans to perform the works of others but
also hopes to begin work on a written work of their own.
Next year, to coincide with their theme of "apocalypse" they
will be working on an original play about Kurt Gerstein, a German
officer who worked to warn the Allies about the Nazis.
That production, along with "The Rivals," represents the
important ideas behind the Demeter Theater company.
"You need to put on plays that say something," said Epps, "that
speak to people, that change their lives a little bit."
Theater: "The Rivals" will be showing Thursday and Friday, Oct.
8 and 9, behind Powell Library at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Demeter Theater
The Demeter Theater troupe preforms
"The Rivals" behind Powell on Thursday.
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