Aussie Flavoured Servant of Two Masters for Epping.
The Theatre on Chester at Epping (NSW) promise a hilarious night of fun with their production of The Servant of Two Masters, playing from November 9 to December 1, 2012.
The Servant of Two Masters, written by Carlo Goldini, is an 18th Century comic masterpiece re-written by Ron Blair and Nick Enright to give it a modern Aussie flavour. Colorful, riotous with loads of humorous complications, Goldoni’s play also provided the inspiration for the current West End and Broadway hit One Man, Two Guvnors, which tours Australia in 2013.
Truffaldino, the servant, is a penniless poor soul who tries to take advantage of any occasion that presents itself. Driven by hunger and naiveté, he accepts an offer to give his exclusive full-time service to two people at the same time; the two masters. He is not at all aware of who they are; he does not know that between them there is an unresolved story of love, murder and disguise. He becomes increasingly troubled as he runs around trying to fulfill their orders, without being discovered, and struggles to remember what exactly he is supposed to be doing for whom.
As the story unfolds, the situation becomes more and more intertwined. But there is no way back for him, he has gone too far and he can only try to juggle the game.
Taking advantage of a situation to pursue your best interest and able to juggle more than one request at the same time are good qualities to have; to serve more than one master. However when the tasks are in conflict with each other, when the requests clash, when the masters are enemies, the situation can become too complicated and dangerous.
Theatre on Chester stalwart Carla Moore directs The Servant of Two Masters. Stage Whispers asked Carla if she had directed The Servant of Two Masters in the traditional Commedia style?
“I made a decision not to- I feel that as a pure commedia piece it would become a ' museum' piece only of interest to students of theatre studies.- however, in saying that, the characters within the play still inform the style...what I mean by that is that some bits of the original commedia characters are definitely there. But I have not concentrated on the exact commedia movements and walks and am not using masks. I guess the play is a nod to the Commedia and my style is farce without a fourth wall.”
What are your design choices?
“I deliberately chose an ecclectic style - no place or period - just a mixture of colourful ridiculousness. Joy Sweeney has been my costume designer and she has cleverly matched all the couples with a specific colour scheme. Because of that choice, the set could not be realistic, and my only reference to Venice (where it is placed --supposedly) is the arches and the Tuscan colours. My lighting designer (Wal Moore) was briefed to create a similar style - that is unrealistic, but with a carnival flavour - so he has had great fun with colour. Sound is also just a tad crazy - Tegan Nicholls has put together a cartoony type of soundscape - I think it will work well in the mix.
Who is in the cast?
“I have been blessed by a plethoa of talent - from the Theatre on Chester membership itself (Julie Moore, Melanie Robinson, Ian Boland, Brenton Amies, Emily Sowden) to some new people: Alan Chambers, a NIDA Graduate, playing Truffaldino, who has been a joy and delight to direct. Benjamin Vickers, who has trained in Italy in the Commedia style is hilarious and a great partner as Florindo to Hayley Watkins, playing Beatrice, who is fresh out of a Performing Arts High School. Warren Blood plays a particularly annoying Dottore and Ashley Macdougall is a stunning wimpy Silvio.
We had an expert sword fighter, Paul Wagner, in to teach us some sword skills - which was great and all in all I think it is going to be a great treat for the audience.”
The Master of Two Servants
Theatre on Chester (Epping, NSW)
9th November to 1st December 2012
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