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Volume CXXXIII, Number 18 |
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La Bete brings Moliere comedy to life
HANNAH DEAN
STAFF WRITER
A comedy of word and wit, of rhyme and reason- La Bete is
far from beastly. From Valere's coif in the second act, to flaring costumes,
to the torrent of words so nimbly traversed by the actors, the production
remains lively and enjoyable from beginning to end.
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| The cast of La Bete in full costume. (Henry Coppola, Bowdoin Orient) |
La Bete is a classical farce written by the modern
playwright David Herson. Rooted in the traditional form of a Molière
comedy, La Bete becomes even more hilarious due to modern colloquialisms
and twentieth century interjections that pop up throughout the play.
The story revolves around a troupe of actors supported by
their eccentric and royal patron, Queen Conti, played by Kelly Kerney
('02). The troupe is content with their lot until the Queen finds a new
talent that she wants to be part of the community of actors. Unfortunately,
this so-called talent turns out to be nothing but a rambling idiot of
the worst kind.
The rest of the play becomes a hot debate over the new talent,
who represents entertainment in its most vulgar form, versus high art.
Besides the witty one man banter that the first act centers around, the
play has scenes during which the audience may reflect in tense silence
on the underbelly of this superficially quick-paced farce. At moments,
one cannot decide whether to be serious or to chuckle, and the feeling
of uncertainty is a sheer delight.
Adding to the charm of the raw text of the play, are the
actors-each of whom fills his or her part to perfection. From the slightly
haughty, cultural elitist, Elomire, played by Aaron Hess '04, to the rambling
capsule of mediocrity, Valere, played by the ragingly funny Adam Comfort
'03, the play leaves nothing to be desired.
Comfort delivers his lines smoothly and comfortably and
such rhyming epithets as: "You think me too self critical, alack,/Two
thousand more have launched the same attack," simply roll off his
tongue. One might expect to become bored with the endless stream of drivel
that rushes out of Valere's mouth, but Comfort remains energized throughout
and leaves the ear begging for more of his smooth "Verbobos"
(words).
The character Elomire, on the other hand, is the very picture
of an intellectual-choosing his words carefully; he never confuses verbosity
with depth of meaning.
In addition, the chemistry between Hess and Comfort is unforgettable.
The production is not only a delight for the ears and the mind, but for
the eyes as well. The costumes that are flounced across the stage are
like candy to the eye and the set is at once simple and dainty.
Come laugh and marvel at this seamless production of comedic proportions. La Bete is being performed by the Bowdoin Department of Theater and Dance and will be playing at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Wish Theater, Memorial Hall.