Heads up! This is not going to be a review of the complete performance of Dell’Arte’s student-created production titled “A Night of Commedia” that I attended this past Friday evening at the school’s Carlo Theatre in Blue Lake.
Although the show had two acts, I did something that I’ve never done before at Dell’Arte. I left the venue immediately after what was performed at the very end of act one.
I did so because the subject matter and gross actions of the actors on stage were so shockingly disgusting (with most of the audience responding audibly with gagging sounds of “eew” and “ughh”), that I had no desire to stay see what else might await in act two.
And, I wasn’t alone when I walked out the front door. There were several more seriously offended people, one of whom said as they walked away, “Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting something like that!” I’m sure none of us were.
Mind you, the audience was “warned” (tongue-in-cheek) before the show began that it had (to paraphrase) adult, “potentially offensive” content, so that wasn’t actually a surprise.
And it was all “collectively created” by the student ensemble — something that’s traditionally done.
Dell’Arte has always pushed the envelope when it comes to its commedia performances. However, there’s a big difference between being bawdy and downright repulsive — and whoever allowed it to happen, should be ashamed of themselves. I won’t describe the details because it wouldn’t be appropriate for readers of this newspaper.
However, I do want to acknowledge that what the students performed prior to the above, closing of act one’s stomach-churning segment was clever and well done. They showcased their obviously-considerable, comedic, physical theater skills that they had been honing during their studies, and also created the show’s costumes, foley design and sound effects.
The ensemble included Ayla Clapool, Danica Gungor, Alice Irvin, Cydney Marie, Asher Mpilo, Pia Nicoletti, Arrow Schulman and Garrett Smith.
Hopefully, what they performed in act two of their show lived up to their talents’ potential. I’m sorry that I couldn’t stay to see it. But, I just couldn’t.
In any case the sound design was created by lead faculty member,Tony Fuemmeleri; the lighting by Emma Dobbins (who was also board operator).
The show’s program acknowledged another lead faculty member, Brian Kuwabara, and supporting faculty Julie Douglas, Cleo di Orio and David Powell.
My question to all of the above is obvious. Why didn’t you realize how beyond offensive that disgusting segment was, and say no to the students who created it? Dell’Arte — and its loyal audiences — deserve much better in the future.
