by Rod Hickman and Dianne Shulman chevrqn staff
GRADUATION
MONDAYS pick
phone
ONLY
up orders
ahead
for large
free gold star stamps or a gladiator spectacle-along with the main event would have attracted more to fill the stands. The most difficult part of the play was trying to determine whether it was a comedy or a tragedy. Some have even suggested it was a farce. Nonetheless the main theme hit the audience like a Brechtian exhibition, though they sat dumb-mouthed. People who graduate will no longer be needed on the labour market with the skills they have developed. There was a sad irony in the ‘souvenir program’ given to the actors; it was a request for money for the alumnus fund: Another example of the impersonality and indignity of this performance was the use of the electronic closedcircuit prompter (was Harry Smith really wearing a dress? ) . For those of you who missed this production, there will be a repeat performance this fall with a new ‘cast of thousands’. It is expected that performance will pan as badly’ so bring your own popcorn and peanuts or better yet, stay home and watch television.
‘7 1
Last week witnessed the semi annyal attraction at the university of Waterloo, the production known as ‘graduation’ played with slight enthusiasm to half-hearted, halfcrowds by a half-cast. The casting included such well known greats as chancellor Ira Needles, president Burt Matthews, several assorted americans and a cast of thousands of graduates doing walk-ons. The dialogue consisted of delicately mispronounced names and hearty congratulations to the many bit players who were leaving for the far far greater stage“out there”. The monologues were something else again. Gestures included several well executed tips of the hat. We don’t know who to blame for the staging and direction. Perhaps it was PP & I? Who else could display that remarkable genius that produced the play in the jock building while sun beat merrily down outside. The props must have been borrowed from some other theater because they were spirited out to another engagement even before the four day run of the production was completed. Preparation time was absurd; a minimum of three years for the bit parts and up to nine or more for the others. It seems the price of admission was too high because attendence was noticeably meagre. The only thing’ required was a lively sense of interest. But even the atrtending audience seemed to have only brought half the fare. Perhaps
orders
only
don’t
MERCHANT
OF VENICE
Lawrence Olivier is treading the boards again this summer as Shylock in the London production of the Merchant of Venice. TO my surprise and his credit, the old star has bowed to the integrity of the play. Indeed, this ‘Merchant’ is often surprising, and unquestionably the best production I have ever seen. The ‘Merchant’, richly drawn yet beset with contradictions, is one of the most challenging and rewarding of Shakespeare’s plays for directors and actors alike. Portia, for example, must combine all the classical sugar and spice with enough (hidden) spirit and cunning to trap the ‘wily Jew’ ; on the resolution of Shylock’s dual roles of tragic hero and villain rests the form and balance of the whole play. The script must be warped to succeed. The only question is how, and how well?
Jonathan Miller has done a masterful job, aided by extremely able performances by Olivier, Joan Plowright (Portia) and Jim Dale (Launcelot Gobbo). Dale set the pace for the first half of the play as an uproarious and unexpected comedy: the doddering Arragon nearly brought down the house! Hut the unity and underlying tragedy were in the- end enhanced, leaving the’ audience in that classic reaction to a wellcrafted play : we didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. There were other unusual and imaginative twists ; Jessica, usually a flat and extraneous character, became sensitive and poignant, a young girl overcome by a swift and foolish love affair, repentant and sorrowing for her father. This, in turn, helped to solve the crucial question of Shylock by showing by reflection real and human, his love for her, and thus the depth of the grief which he sought to wreak on Antonio. Add round shoulders and a slight whimpering and there you have Shylock: a man of tragic stature and circumstance, yet so personally unlovable he almost deserves to be put down. Surely this is the man himself; at any rate, it permits the play to make sense. The play is kept in balance (unlike last year’s production at Stratford) by a strong and able Portia, though Antonio has been sacrificed to maintain the sympathy of the ‘new Shylock’. (Unfortunately Miss Plowright, who is fortyish and plainly made-up, stood out among a carefully typed cast.) For once, though, Leonardo and Nerissa were properly subordinate. The set and costumes, though lavish and well-made, really ought not to look circa 1900! Lighting was good, and the many musical intervals were well handled, if un necessary. In short, this is a sensitive perceptive, and highly enjoyable production. It’s a pity you can’t go see it. At the Old Vic, in repertoire, The Cut, London. G.k.
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MONDAY
Waterloo University Gay Liberation movement general meeting. Everyone welcome. 8pm HUM 16 1 Grad Students Lounge.
THS COUPON GOOd FO
TUESDAY
Flying Club ground 7 pm MC 3007
school.
Everyone
welcome.
..:.:.:. ~ ,,,.,.,....._
Learn to sail. Come to the sailing club meeting to be followed by film and a lesson on sailing. We want to have you along. 8 pm AL1 24 WEDNESDAY
All Christians interested in forming a prayer group for the summer meet in Waterloo Towers, apt 209. 8 pm or phone 743-1738 ask for John Sponsored by IVCF
OFF . ON THE PURCHASE OF ANY MEDIUM OR LARGER PIZZA Offer expires July 5/71 Eat in, Take out or delivery 103
King
FOUND
HOUSING
One pair of gym shoes in men’s locker room phys ed complex on friday*21. Owner may claim by calling 576-9379.
Male students. Two single rooms for summer months. Private bath, cooking facilities. $12 weekly. Phone 576-0466.
FOR
Girls double room in town house, use of home, outdoor pool. No restrictions. Mrs. Wright 745- 1111 weekdays; 745-l 534 evenings.
St. N. Wat SALE
Furnished mybile home for sale just outside Waterloo. 745-8320.
at Martin’s
Pa;k
WANTED
Fender bass with hard shell case. Brand new but need cash $350 or best offer. Call at 137 University avenue west, apt. 805. Must sell 1963 Chrysler dition. $200. 576-5 144.
2
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