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A case of mistaken identity leads to comedic chaos when the SUNY Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance presents its production of “The Venetian Twins” from Feb. 25 to March 5 in Bartlett Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center.
“The Venetian Twins” is a work by Carlo Goldoni, an 18th Century Italian playwright. Written in the commedia dell’arte form, it tells the tale of identical twin brothers – separated at birth and unlike each other in every way save for appearance – who arrive in town on the same day. Laughs ensue when cash, jewels and declarations of love are given to the wrong people.
This is a Walter Gloor Mainstage Series event sponsored by Niebel Realty as part of the Lake Shore Savings Season.
Directing “The Venetian Twins” is James P. Ivey, professor of performance, who studied the commedia form in Italy while on sabbatical in 2006. Ivey said this Mainstage production is a “culmination of sorts” for him.
“I have been working and studying the commedia form for many years now. This is the first production of commedia ‘inspired’ material that I have directed,” Ivey said. “My study with Antonio Fava in Reggio-Emilia, Italy and with Carlo Mazzone-Clementi in California informs much of my work here.”
The Mainstage production is based on Ranjit Bolt’s 1993 translation, which updates Goldoni’s work for contemporary audiences.
“Ranjit Bolt’s British translation takes the original of Goldoni and makes a fun romp of it all,” Ivey said.
However, the director noted the SUNY Fredonia production will have a few twists all its own.
“We have taken our own liberties with some of the text as Bolt’s was a decidedly ‘cockney’ rendition for some of the characters,” he said. “I am happy with the work of the students and inspired by their commitment to embracing the form and style as they understand it.”
Opening night for the Mainstage production falls on International Commedia Day – which is Friday, Feb. 25.
“My connection to the international practitioners of commedia through my study in Italy has put in contact with the International Commedia Day,” Ivey said. “Actors, directors and teachers from all over the world are celebrating commedia dell’arte on Feb. 25 with classes, demonstrations, performances and workshops.”
Ivey explained commedia dell'arte “could be said to be the ‘art of the professional player’.”
“Commedia, as defined by Antonio Fava – my teacher from Italy – is ‘theatre and acting as a discipline’ and arte signifies trade, profession and thus implies commerce, business,” Ivey said. “Actors/performers in a commedia troupe were now making money at their profession. The characters of the commedia were defined by traditional elements of mask and costume. An actor would add his own particular flair to a character.”
This is the second year in a row that the SUNY Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance has participated in this celebration, Ivey said. He hopes such support will further an effort to bring recognition to the commedia form.
“It is part of an initiative by the practitioners of commedia to have the form recognized as an international cultural heritage of Italy by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization),” he explained. “The proposal is still being considered by UNESCO and through our participation we are demonstrating our connection with this form and its pervasive influence in the theatre of today.”
Six performances of “The Venetian Twins” are planned. Show times and dates are 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25; Saturday, Feb. 26; Thursday, March 3; Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.
Tickets are available through the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501 (1-866-441-4928) or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets.
“The Venetian Twins” is one of the productions comprising the 2010-11 Mix & Match season ticket plan. Season tickets are still available and subscribers can save up to 25 percent off regular prices. For details, inquire at the Ticket Office.
