By snoadmin
Despite its recent controversy regarding its title, the California Repertory Company’s production of “Night of the Tribades” has been bringing in full houses. While some have no doubt gone to the show because of the commotion caused by the controversy, the gift they received from going to the extraordinary performance is likely to have more than satisfied their curiosity.
While “Night of the Tribades,” written by Swedish playwright Per Olov Enquist in 1975, certainly has its share of profanity and underlying tension, what most people will take away is the humor of the play.
John Prosky plays Strindberg like a metal string wound to its limit. Half the fun of watching him is waiting for the inevitable snap and destructive backlash that ensues. What’s fun about Prosky’s portrayal of Strindberg is the honest and manic way he lets the character out. Prosky will be in a heated argument one moment and in his next line ask why he is being yelled at, causing the other characters to appear foolish and leaving them dumbfounded.
The main sources of Strindberg’s frustration are his soon-to-be ex-wife Siri (Sarah Underwood) and her suspected lover, Marie (Linda Castro.)
Underwood plays Siri at a number of different levels, all of which are extremely effective. This makes her perhaps the most compelling character in the show. Her distinguished acting is exemplified when her character moves away from Strindberg and breaks through to her own character and personality. This rebirth is subtle throughout until it culminates at the end of the play.
Castro takes a different approach, which is in sharp contrast to the other characters in the performance. Castro plays the sloshed and honest Marie completely unapologetic, adding to the respect, though it may be hard-earned, from the other characters. The frustration of a character like this is that there is no insult, no put-down and no punishment that can be visited on them worse than they can do to themselves.
Rounding out the cast is Shiwe (Craig Anton), an actor and great admirer of Strindberg. Shiwe is perhaps the only character that will receive any sympathy from the audience. From the first few entrances on stage, Shiwe learns very quickly why you should never meet your heroes. Though Anton towers over Prosky physically, he plays Shiwe in a form that makes his character seem cowed and subservient. Still, Anton comes out on top with some of the best lines of the play.
As usual, the build team of Cal Rep surpasses itself by creating another excellent set. The play, which is set in a beer storage warehouse, might not have been as effective if it was not for the squalor design of the backdrop. The set looks like something out of madman’s dream, a nightmare of wood and metals, ropes and pulleys that even with the one tone of brown paint, casts an eerie sense of wreckage and disrepair to the audience.
Cal Rep has a nack for lighting and effects that set the mood more than any other theatre company. Working with subtle blue lighting, the cast is able to drop out of time and relive moments in their past. Audio and visual effects highlight this in a dramatic climax, revealing darker secrets toward the end of the play.
Overall, “Night of the Tribades” blends an outstanding cast with drama and humor. This is a play surely not to be missed.
The production runs until Dec. 11 at the Queen Mary Royal Theater, located at 1126 Queen’s Highway.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.
