By: Marissa Holt
Holding true to the commedia dell’arte form of theatre, an adaptation of The Green Bird was presented by the Suffolk University Theatre Department. Directed by Wes Savick and running close to two hours, this production was free and had smiles glued on the faces of audience members well after the performance ended. When interviewed at the dress rehearsal for the show, Ryan Began, the Assistant Director, summed it up perfectly.
“It’s going to be really funny. There’s constant zingers, hits and slaps taken.”
For those who saw the show, “really funny” may seem like an understatement. The Green Bird is an 18th century comedy written by Carlo Gozzi. However, the form of the play that was showcased is an adaptation made by Conrad Bishop and Elizabeth Fuller. The script was also cut and edited even more by those producing the play to make it more modern.
The Green Bird is not only a comical fairy tale but also a satirical look on society. A set of twins named Barbarina and Renzo learn that their parents are not their biological parents; they were in fact pulled out of a river and raised by a couple who sell sausages. When they are kicked out onto the streets by their father, the duo embark on a quest for wisdom and eventually learn their true identities both literally and metaphorically. Imprisoned by her evil mother-in-law, the Queen (also the twins mother), has been doomed to live under the palace’s “throne room.” She only survives because she is fed by the green bird. Throughout the play, various concepts of selfishness, parenting, literacy, knowledge, relationships and love are explored. Ultimately, it is love that restores the Queen, the Green Bird, and many of the other characters. All of the characters, for the most part, are matched up with one another and the play ends with a happily-ever-after feel to it.
While watching the plot unfold, it is apparent that the play is going to end on a positive note. What keeps audience members interested is the humor presented on subjects that embody humanity’s vices and the philosophical debates embedded in a show so funny it makes your face hurt. The main philosophical debate put forth is the question of egoism and self-interest. And rather than answer questions, this production fuels them, not in a boring or stuffy manner, but in a delightfully refreshing way.
Pop culture references were also strewn about the show. “John and Kate Plus Eight” were mentioned along with Lady Gaga and Donald Trump. Britney Spears was also incorporated into the show. A poster of Britney served as a statue that Renzo falls in love with and eventually the statue comes to life as Pompea. The role of Pompea was not played by a female, but by a man who definitely knew how to move his hips. It is a mystery who exactly played this role; the pamphlet lists the cast and next to Pompea it simply says “Special Guest.” This “Special Guest,” whoever he was, certainly stole the show.
The set and costumes were simple, but fit the traditional attributes of a true commedia dell‘arte theatre production. Masks were worn by select characters and a couple were asymmetric and hideous. The acting was believable and the production was double-cast too. This gives as much of an opportunity as possible for students to get involved and become part of the show. The set of cast members that were not acting played instruments such as bongos and lent vocalized sound effects.
True to the commedia dell’arte theme, many of the scenes were improvised with random dance parties on stage.
Despite the clichés, The Green Bird production broke through many boundaries that separate it from other comedic plays. It provided a clever and enjoyable take on the many vices and virtues of human behavior. Those that attended were left laughing, but also with the question of why people do exactly what they do.
