The Mandrake' Opens Masquers Season
Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Mandrake," first performed in 1518, opens the Masquers 2008-2009 season of productions. Directed by Dr. John O'Connor, the performances will be held Oct. 10-11 and 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. in the Wallman Hall Theatre on the Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College main campus.
Cast members include Daniel Crowley (Callimaco); Anthony Marchese (Siro); Michael Vozniak (Ligurio); Marc Cornes (Professor Nicia); Christie D. Brooks (Madonna Sostrata); Patrick Sibbett (Brother Timothy); Crystal Conner (woman at the Church); and Jessica Jirak (Madonna Lucrezia).
The translation selected for the cast is by Wallace Shawn, who wrote in his Forward to the translation: "The Mandrake" can be seen as a dark, grotesque play or a sunny, delicious one; it is arguably a cruel satire or a joyful tract in praise of human behavior 'harsh or kindly, disturbing or delightful, depending on one's point of view. Many interpretations are possible, and many sorts of productions are possible."
Perhaps more widely known for "The Prince," Machiavelli intended this play as a satirical play about the corruption of Italian society. The author was, during the writing of this play, in exile from Florence for having, allegedly, plotting against the rulers of the city state, the Medici.
The action of the play takes place within a 24-hour period and concerns the ultimate rape of the pure Lucrezia, wife of Nicia and daughter of Madonna Sostrata. The two collude in order, ostensibly, to provide an heir for Nicia and Lucrezia. The fact that the seducer, Callimaco, has already lusted after the young matron, who is pure and dedicated to her marriage and to her place in society, only adds to the urgency of the seduction. It is a familiar story, one which may remind the viewer of the sacrificial women in Goethe's "Faust, Part I" or "Les Liaisons dangereuses" by Choderlos de la Clos.
For tickets, call the Box Office at (304) 367-4240. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and $6 for students with ID. The show contains adult themes and language.
