Greek drama graces ND stage
By LAURA KELLY
Scene Writer
It is a play about silence. This may seem like an ironic description of a drama full of challenging dialogues and unforgettable lines. Yet, the central issues of Timberlake Wertenbaker's "The Love of the Nightingale" are the conflicts between the powerful and the oppressed, between the faithful and the faithless and between speech and silence. Notre Dame Film, Television and Theatre (FTT) presents an unforgettable look at the silencing of women in its latest mainstage production, running this week at Washington Hall.
"The Love of the Nightingale" is a retelling of the Greek myth of Philomele, a young and beautiful Athenian princess, and her brother-in-law Tereus, the King of Thrace. After aiding the Athenians in their war for independence, Tereus asks for King Pandeon's daughter, Procne, in marriage. At her parents' bidding, Procne returns with Tereus to Thrace. After a time, Procne grows unhappy, yearning for her sister and her homeland and asks Tereus to sail back to Athens and to return with Philomele.
Philomele happily agrees to visit her sister. However, the return voyage reveals Tereus' true nature as he brutally rapes Philomele and violently silences her when she threatens to expose his crime. Philomele is kept hidden from her sister for five years, but when they are finally reunited, they seek their revenge.
"The Love of the Nightingale" is a "powerful poetic statement," according to director Dr. Reginald Bain. "Wertenbaker develops the play from the women's perspective, focusing on the relationship between the sisters, the interplay between other female characters and the violence and silencing of women."
The number of strong female roles was one of the play's features that attracted Bain. "I was also drawn to the challenges that [the drama] presents. This play is different in that it is not realistic, but theatrical. We are asking the actors to dance, to work with masks — things that they may never have done before."
"Nightingale's" talented cast is "a nice mix ranging from freshmen to seniors," said Bain. First year student Tara Murphy balances Philomele's youthful optimism and wisdom. Brad Charron is an imposing and powerful Tereus. The two are joined by the strong and graceful Procne (Louise Edwards) and the weathered nurse, Niobe (Elaine Bonifield). The rest of the cast is equally polished, switching easily between the different roles demanded by the complex action.
"The Love of the Nightingale" is not only a moving and thought-provoking drama, but a theatrical mastery as well. The stage consists of billowy curtains and a central scenic unit, which revolves to create different settings. Simple white dress is used as the base for costumes which evoke the play's ancient roots, including elaborate cloaks for the feast of Bacchus. The story's action is fittingly accompanied by music reminiscent of Greek flutes and drums — haunting and unsettling during pivotal moments, lively and energetic during the dance scenes. The lighting is also effective in changing mood, shifting from a peaceful blue to a violent blood red.
It is this theatrical quality that makes the FTT's production unique. "Wertenbaker's script is actually very short," said Bain. "She leaves much up to the visualization of the scenes. We are taking a ritualistic approach to the play, since Wertenbaker was obviously influenced by Greek drama, but there is a modern aspect to the play as well."
Bain's role in "The Love of the Nightingale" is significant, as this play marks his final directing assignment at Notre Dame. Since he began teaching and directing in 1964, Bain has directed and acted in more productions than anyone else in the history of Notre Dame Theatre. It is evident that his presence and expertise will be greatly missed, although Bain himself is modest about the significance of this last assignment.
"I chose ["The Love of the Nightingale"] simply because I could not put it down when I read it. It is a powerful and moving story."
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, April 12, 2000
