Sure February is all about candy hearts and valentines, but where are those gifts meant to lead? Why the bedroom, of course! So it’s timely that DalTheatre has taken on Arthur Schnitzler’s scandalous (for 1921) play.
The tiny MacK. Murray studio is transformed by a lush and lacquered red and black set centered around a huge round bed. Above the bed is a circle of shirred red fabric that descends from the ceiling and becomes a tunnel surrounding characters as they are captured in flagrante delicto. It’s a surprisingly versatile set-up that changes easily for all ten scenes.
These scenes are conversations between two people before and after they have sex. The “round” part of the play is that as a scene ends, one character continues into the next, making love with someone new. The conversations are open-ended, definitely posing more questions about each relationship than are answered.
The actors play it large, as is befitting of a story peopled by larger-than-life archetypes. And despite scanty costumes, the titillation factor is low, though it’s hard to say whether this reflects the jaded nature of 21st century sexual tastes or is merely a lack of chemistry between the actors.
This play is a visual treat that makes some interesting comments about human sexuality…tickets would make a great early Valentine’s gift.
Wednesday, February 8 @ 8:00p
Thursday, February 9 @ 8:00p
Friday, February 10 @ 8:00p
Saturday, February 11 @ 2:00p
Saturday, February 11 @ 8:00p
Tickets for all shows are now available for purchase through the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office, in person, over the phone at 494-3820, or online at https://kil-dacweb-2.cohn.dal.ca/. All tickets are general admission, $14 regular, $7 students and seniors.
This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2012.
2 THUMBS UP for the stand-up 69!
This show made me squirm in the best way possible.