By James Inglis (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: November 16, 2011
“Once there was a king called Shahryar who one night found his wife in the arms of a slave; the world darkened for him, his soul grew sick, and he killed them both on the carpets of the bed. From then on, every night he marries, loves, and kills a virgin girl, and when she dies, anything of him that she might have inside also dies. And he will never be betrayed again.” With those haunting words spoken by the chorus, the audience is introduced to playwright Mary Zimmerman’s adaption of Arabian Nights, the opening production of the 32nd season of the UFV theatre department.
The tales of Arabian Nights have existed through the centuries. The collection of stories are told and retold by every generation. The story of Scherezade, the latest bride fated to die at the hands of Shahryar, frames the tales of Arabian Nights. Scherezade has a plan to survive. She will tell of tales so enthralling her husband will delay her death. Many tales such as those of Sinbad and Ali Baba are known to most, but Zimmerman’s play bypasses the well known and allows the audience to experience some of the lesser-known tales.
Director Heather Robertson presents a production full of colour, music, laughter, sadness, desperation, enchantment and redemption. The play is centered on the fate of its main characters, but the audience is presented with a truly remarkable ensemble effort by the entire cast.
Kat Beswick gives a poised, confident, sensual and intelligent portrayal of Scherezade. Beswick holds the attention of the audience without dominating the other players. Josh Tompke portrays Shahryar, the murderous king. He offers the audience a king that is damaged by love – full of anger and feelings of betrayal. Tompke manages to have the audience despise Shahryar, but at the same time want Shahryar to be saved from his self-imposed misery. He also plays the roles of the Mock Khalifah and Aziz, characters that allow him to demonstrate a greater range in his acting abilities. Another bright light in the production is Rebecca MacEachern-Eastwood’s portrayal of Dunyazade, Scherezade’s younger sister. She plays Dunyazade as being impish, resourceful and adorable. Her portrayal helps bring warmth to a sometimes-tragic story. MacEachern-Eastwood also portrays Azizah, which showcases her dramatic abilities.
This production has many memorable portrayals. Spencer Densmore’s Madman is successfully over the top and Rachael Mah’s Perfect Love inspires the members of the audience to be more careful in how they deal with another’s affection. Bertan Baruh and Serkan Baruh put a hilarious spin in their portrayals of two claimants to the ownership of a wonderful bag. Rebecca MacKenzie’s portrayal of Sympathy the Learned was remarkable. The sheer amount of information she had to present in the role appeared effortless to her. The other players in the cast help create the atmosphere of Arabian Nights and integrate well throughout the multiple tales.
Jay Havens, as both the set designer and costume designer, created an atmosphere of both simplicity and luxury. Using strategically placed columns, lamps and atmospheric cutouts the flavor of the east is represented. Carpets and pillows are rearranged from story to story to create a different atmosphere and setting simply and quickly. Haven’s costumes help draw the audience into the tales. With their colours and intricate detailing, the costumes appear as if they may have fallen from the pages of Arabian Nights. His use of headgear to represent characteristics of some of the characters is worth the audience’s close attention.
The atmosphere of the play is enhanced by the music of Bryce Bennett and the choreography of Colleen Lanki. The music lends an air of the Middle East to a production that brings the audience to the desert and Lanki’s choreography gives a graceful sensuality to the Arabian dancers and the stories. Additionally, Sandy Tait’s lighting is subtle and well-integrated into the play.
Heather Robertson has produced a play that is fun and entertains the audience. The stories that make up this production deal with very mature topics, so the play is not recommended for children under 13.
Arabian Nights is playing at the theatre on the UFV Chilliwack campus until Nov. 27. For dates, times, information and reservations call 604-795-2814 or email theatre@ufv.ca.
