'Pericles' relates journeys of imagination
Campus Times
May 3, 2002
The University of La Verne Theater Department gives another stellar
performance adapting William Shakespeare's "Pericles," which plays
tonight and tomorrow in the Cabaret Theater.
Without a whole lot of room to work with, guest director and head of
the National Theater in Croatia Georgi Paro transformed the tiny Cabaret
Theater into the oceanfront of several countries, successfully creating
a total Shakespearean feel.
With several complicated entrances and exits, the small theater was
fully utilized as the stage floor was also transformed into the deck of
a ship, yet also passed for a palace courtyard and a 17th century whorehouse.
This was done with the help and imagination of David Flaten, who designed
the set and Elizabeth Pietrzak, the set's builder. Students from the Theater
Department also helped construct the stage's design.
A raging sea storm and such effects were achieved with very active lighting
done by Pietrzak. She achieved a dramatic look with the help of Juan Garcia
and Tirzah Rodgers.
The transitions from scene to scene were as seamless as film edits,
never letting action die as characters constantly cycled in and out from
every possible nook and cranny of the theater.
The play was written in 1608 and tracks the stormy and tragic life of
a young man hunted by an evil king Antiochus, who forces him to flee and
leave his new wife and child. His wife and child soon die during his journey,
sending him reeling into a severe state of depression. He soon learns that
the gods have actually planned much better things for him.
The theme becomes apparent as the play explores the journeys one takes
through life.
Although the play was written long ago, Paro chose to use modern music
and dance, creating a bridge between old and new.
Choreographer Sarah Leddy's choreography heightenedt he theatricality.
Working with 24 actors, she did an excellent job in instructing them how
to move.
The role of "Pericles" is played very well by senior David
Rojas, who lent a very active and physical role that breeds tension and
draws the audience into the pain of his character.
By performing more than one character, many of the cast members put
extra effort into the play while simultaneously bringing out the best. Theater
major and actress Samantha Kern displayed her talents by performing two
different characters. She conquered the personality of a fisherman as well
as a woman who runs a whorehouse. This play was not performed solely by
theater majors, but also included actors from different areas. Ernest Granillo,
mail center clerk, was part of the "Pericles" cast. In addition,
students from other disciplines such as liberal studies major Margaret Tipton
graced the stage.
All in all, "Pericles" opened imaginations of those who were
present.