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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-09-02, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,1992. PAGE 19. Discussing Mr. Sloane Barbara Bryne as Kath and Alan Scarfe as Ed discuss what to do with Mr. Sloane after he murders their father in the Stratford production of Joe Orton's 1964 play Entertaining Mr. Sloane. The production will be at the Avon Theatre until Oct. 17. Theatre review Slapstick hurts ‘Sloane’ BY BONNIE GROPP It was with ambivalent feelings that I watched the Avon Theatre production of Entertaining Mr. Sloane, by Joe Orton last week. Sloane, Orton's first full-length piece, made its debut in London's West End in 1964. While many lauded his efforts, acclaiming him as the voice of the 60's, others were appalled at what they touted as a complete disregard for the decen­ cies of society. What none could dispute was that, like it or not, he had captured the single minded, often self-destructive pursuit of sat­ isfaction that became prevalent in the liberal decade. Detractors may have been frightened by the increasing decay of society's morals, but his champions were captured by his strong satiric wit. Having been part of that turbu­ lent decade I was neither shocked by the play's perversity, nor was I particularly amused. Actually, sneaking peaks at the rest of the theatre-goers around me, whose ideals have become rather jaded, there was almost a ho-hum attitude toward it, most notably in the fel­ low nodding off beside me. What may have shocked people into laughter in the 1960's seems less amusing to today's worldly audience. Mr. Sloane, portrayed in the Avon production by Ted Dykstra is a charismatic parasite, who preys on others to satisfy his needs. He seeks lodging at the home of Kath played by Barbara Bryne, a lonely childless widow living with hei elderly father, Kemp (Edward Atienza). Kemp recognizes Sloane as the man who killed his employer two years before and threatens to expose him. In the meantime the receptive Kath has become enam­ oured of Sloane and listens to none of her father's warnings. Kath's brother, Ed, is a moralistic dictator, who demands people respect principles, as long as they are his. Portrayed by Alan Scarfe, Ed is a misogynist with an old sol­ dier toughness that belies his homosexuality. Women, he says, are "half-witted tarts" needed to add "colour and gaiety". Intimacy with them should be "only when necessary". Also captivated by the smooth Mr. Sloane, Ed vies with his sister for his companionship. When Ed discovers Kath is preg­ nant by Sloane, he sees this as a weakness in Sloane's character but assures him that it is one that can be corrected. "With me behind you boy, you'll grow out of it," he says, delivering a less than subtle double entendre. After Sloane kills Kemp, Kath and Ed conspire to cover the death and share Sloane. Sloane is an interesting piece written by a man who was not afraid to flaunt humanity's weak­ nesses. His characters are examples of those weaknesses. They are ruthless in their search for fulfill­ ment, ignorant of the needs of oth­ ers and remorseless. Sloane, particularly suffers no guilt in his pursuit of gratification. It was Director David William's campy, often slapstick handling of the play that caused some of my ambivalence. I have tremendous admiration for Ms Bryne, whom I have seen in many Stratford pro­ ductions over (he years. But in this instance her lock-jawed expression, Edith Bunker/Lucille Ball imitation Continued on page 20 Mr. and Mrs. Keith Bachert, ^Walton, Ont., are pleased to ^announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Sheila Janette, to Mr. David Paul Canoe, son of Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Ganoe of Wileyford, West Virginia. The wedding is to take place, in the will of the Lord, on Saturday, Sept. 19/92 at Waterloo, Ont. E ntertainment IZZ________________z________ Theatre review ‘Measure for Measure’, complicated story BY LARRY CARDIFF One of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, Measure For Measure, provides a very critical and thought-provoking examination of society as a whole. The story is a complicated tale of justice and power with sex being used as a weapon. Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, resolves to enforce the city's long- ignored laws against immorality, and proclaims his departure from the city. In truth, he remains in the city disguised as a friar, to see what his Deputy, the severe Angelo, will do in his absence. One of Angelo’s first acts of power is to imprison Claudio for getting his betrothed, Juliet, pregnant, an offence which carries the death penalty. Isabella, Claudio's sister and a potential novice, is urged by Clau­ dio's friend Lucio, to plead with Angelo. Angelo informs the virtu­ ous novice she might save her brother's life only if she relinquish­ es her chastity to him. Needless to say she is both shocked and out­ raged by his proposal. When she visits her brother in prison, his fear of death overpowers his sense of honour and he entreats her to agree to Angelo's proposal. The disguised Duke/Friar, who has been eavesdropping, suggests she give way, and that Marianna, Happy Birthday Bob Who is 35 Love Gram ’Want b OUR Tune ? We offer good - singing - friends - fun Practice* - Monday Night* 8 pm-10 pm Blyth Festival Rehearsal Hall Starting Wednesday September 9 1992 -1993 Season Sat. Sept. 18 - Choir Workshop Sat. Oct. 24 - Mlnlfsst 92. Kan Fleet clinician. Canadian Music Massed Choir. Sun. Dec. 13 - Christmas Concert Feb. - Ceilidh. Scottish Variety Evening. Sun. Apr. 18 - Evensong Service St. George's, Goderich. April-concert - Spring Sing! For Information phone - 233-9990 523-4345 Angelo's spumed love, should take her place on the appointed night. Mariana willingly accepts the plan, but Angelo faithlessly orders Clau­ dio's death, which is prevented by the Duke/Friar and the sympathetic Provost. When the Duke finally returns as himself he plays the game through to the end, bringing about startling revelations and a comical turning of events. Realizing Angelo's "integrity stands without blemish" Continued on page 20 Huron-Bruce Riding Association HISTORIC CHALLENGE CANDIDATE NOMINATION THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 7:30 P.M. Clinton High School PUBLIC WELCOME HEAR-PRESTON MANNING Tuesday, Sept. 15 in Sarnia Thursday, Sept. 17 in London For ticket information call... 527-0557 or 524-5363 "BUILDING A NEW CANADA" LEARN TO CLOG with the Carry On Cloggers REGISTRATION Thursday September 10 7:00-9:00 pm Stanley Township Complex Varna NEW BEGINNER CLASSES available for Adults 16 & Over Thursdays in Varna Wednesdays in Blyth For Information call Norma Preszcator 482-3141 the Blytb Iw 523-9381 THURSDAY NIGHT IS WING NIGHT 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT WINGS 35c EACH MINIMUM ORDER 10 a variety of sauces available Wings available for take out at regular price of 50c each. THURS., FRI., & SAT. 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT WINGS & CHIPS $5.45 EAT IN OR TAKE OUT THURS., FRI. & SAT. NITES PIZZA 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT EAT IN OR TAKE OUT ENTERTAINMENT Sept. 4 & 5 Full Moon Engagement PROUT/CAMPBELL Isabel and Pete Campbell are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Gayle Elizabeth to Ronald Jack, son of Barb and Ross Nichol and Jack Prout. The wedding will take place September 5, 1992 at Bluevale Presbyterian Church, Bluevale, Ontario. Open reception to follow at 8 p.m. at B. M. & G. Community Centre.