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Trey Allman | The Appalachian
Whit J. Emerson (l), playing Sylvestro and Ben C. Mabry (r) playing Ottavio ,rehearse a scene in next weeks play, "Scapino!" |
Renaissance farce tackles modern humor in 'Scapino!'
by Ryan Finn
Staff Writer
Anyone who has ever laughed at the antics of Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson or the Marx Brothers would do well to listen closely.
Next week, the department of theatre will open “Scapino!” their first spring production of the new year. “Scapino!” is a farce, a theatrical style whose influences date back to the Renaissance, associate professor and director Joel W. Williams said.
The improvisational style known as Commedia dell’Arte developed during the Renaissance and included purposefully stock characters, or characters that were two-dimensional and stereotypical for comic effect, Williams said.
The French dramatist Moliere wrote the original story. As a writer, he was heavily inspired by the pervasive commedia style. Commedia dell’Arte has continued to have a major influence not only on modern theatrical comedies but also on popular entertainments.
“If Moliere were around writing today, he would probably be writing for 'Saturday Night Live' or 'The Simpsons,'” Williams said.
Many of the principles in modern parody and satire derive their comedic power from the influence of farce.
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Trey Allman | The Appalachian
Jeremy A. Moretz (l), playing Geronte, and Callie C. Gannaway (r), playing Nurse, practice a scene from "Scapino!" |
The play's intentionally unsophisticated story concerns two sets of lovers as well as their respective, disapproving fathers.
That’s really all that you need to know in advance, Williams said.
After a committee of eight theatre faculty members decided on “Scapino!” as the anchor of the spring semester, it became a matter of asking what roles were available for the show.
“Scapino!” was chosen to balance with the later spring production of “Antigone” in both role selection and emotional tone, Williams said.
Associate professor and scenic designer Jeromy F. Hopgood provides paintings, scale models and the drafting necessary to bring the stage to life.
Hopgood said he appreciates the collaboration with the student workers and the actors who bring out the best in his designs. However, Hopgood also recognizes the practical side of working on a farce.
“Everything has to be built incredibly sturdy,” Hopgood said. “You have to be certain that it will hold up to the rigors of someone leaping over the balcony or something like that.”
“On this particular production, Joel [Williams] has been very open about saying to the cast and crew: ‘What can you bring to the table?,’” he said.
Senior theatre technology major Jennifer A. Ackland is the costume designer and makeup artist for the production. Ackland had never designed costumes for a farce before but found the experience liberating.
“It can be a combination of many different historical time-periods,” she said. “I could use any color I wanted within reason. There’s a lot more freedom.”
Ackland also recognized Williams’ collaborative spirit.
“I enjoyed it very much because I could come up with wild ideas and Joel [Williams] was very open to anything,” she said.
“You are constantly adding and tweaking [the costumes] and anything goes as long as it’s funny and the actors can act in it.”
“Scapino!” opens Feb. 23 and runs through Feb. 27. Performances are at 8 p.m. each night with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
TO TOP
APPS films triple spring revenue
Strong weekend attendance pushes totals to $18,000
by Heather Sanders
Intern Writer
The Films Council of the Appalachian Popular Programming Society considers this school year to be a resounding success thus far.
The council, which is required to make $6,000 a year, has already made $18,000, though it is only the beginning of spring semester, Associate Director of Student Programs and APPS films advisor Phil Arnold said.
Arnold said it is almost unheard of to make over $1,000 for three weekends straight, something else the Films Council has acheived.
In previous years, movies brought 400-500 people at most, Arnold said. This year, it has become normal to have over 600 people attend a film. He attributes several factors for the increase.
For one, students on the council decide upon the films to bring to I.G. Greer Auditorium. Sophomore Rachel S. Stratton, a member of the council, said it is best for students to make the decision.
Brandon Richards, chairman of APPS Films, said the council also tries to bring movies that were not previously shown in the Town of Boone, such as “I Heart Huckabees” and “Motorcycle Diaries.” Films at I.G. Greer are also usually shown before they are released on DVD.
Arnold said that, along with the choice of movies, there are other factors involved as well.
I.G. Greer was renovated over the summer. The auditorium had its seats and screen replaced along with a better sound system.
The council has listed upcoming movies on its Web site and has included trailers in the previews so people will know in advance what movies are coming.
Arnold also said it is easier to compete with other movie theaters in Boone because students are only charged $1 for admission.
The revenue gained this year will allow for the purchase of new movies and it allows the council to sponsor other events, such as a “bad movie” weekend or other theme weekends, double features and independent films.
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