The Seahawk

Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Lifestyles

The Department of Theatre at UNCW made "Scapino" a hit this past weekend. The play, written by Moliere, was made into a contemporary adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O-Donnell. "Scapino" used fun, mischief and frolic in this commedia dell'arte masterpiece. The story consisted of the poor outsmarting the rich using elaborate stories to acquire money in the name of love. Even though the dialogue for the production was a bit old fashioned, the entire play looked like an over the top '80s music video. Special effects were used such as smoke machines and trick lighting. The small SRO Blackbox Theater in the Cultural Arts Building was quickly filled each night.

The play's director, Paul Castagno, said he "wanted to combine commedia dell'arte style with '80s music."

The '80s clad DJ played a part in the drama spinning tracks by artists such as Billy Idol and The Culture Club and interacting with the actors. The costumes were a sight to see. They included short skirts, lots of denim, vests, big hair and plenty of eye liner.

Castagno said, "The play combines dell'arte style with an MTV feel."

The actors were allowed to feel the music and adlib at will.

Castagno said, "All of the actors took a commedia dell'arte class. They were allowed to use contemporary references."

The students used over exaggerated movements and delivered their lines holding true to what they studied. There was plenty of comedy that made the audience laugh out loud and drama to shock and awe. Complicated sound effects were used for small movements done by the actors to add to the already surreal atmosphere. The last scene involved a wedding and a final dance number to "Thriller," by Michael Jackson. The hyperkinetic production was an outside-the-box experience for audiences.

The Department of Theatre's next production will be "An Evening of Dance," directed by Nancy Carson.

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