The University of Memphis theater is ready to open the curtains on the spring season. Third-year directing master's candidate Chris Cotten has modernized the 18th century Moliere classic, "The Misanthrope," and tonight at 8 p.m., the show begins.
"This is not your great, great grandfather's Moliere," Cotten said.
In the 1600s, Moliere made a light mockery of the court of King Louis XIV and the work was not so well taken, Cotten said. The subtle homage paid to his majesty was Moliere's only safety with the King.
Cotten has brought the satire to a present-day capital city, much like Washington DC, and produced the similarities between the court of Louis and our current political institution. This show depicts a society where the people are engaged in the permanent government and in this case, there is no patience for secrets.
Actor Jarred Logan plays the part of Alceste, the misanthrope of the play. According to Logan, Alceste cannot stand society's two-faced ways, but ironically enough, his girlfriend is the epitome of his loathing.
"He's (Alceste) really mellowdramatic and over the top about it, too," Logan said.
Stephen Lydic plays the role of Clitandre.
Clitandre and Acaste, played by Dan Poor, are a parallel of political pundits today Lydic said.
"We're a comic duo like the guys on CNN's Crossfire who let out a lot of hot air," Lydic said.
Alongside the zealous and comical characters of Logan and Lydic is Philante played by David Williams.
"I'm the reasonable man character," Williams said. "I'm like a ground base for Alceste's wild behavior."
"Everything is really coming together," Cotten said. "The set looks great and the costumes are all modern."
Moliere originally used rhyming couplets. Cotten has produced an English-compatible translation, but left the rhyming alone.
"The language is how modern people speak," Cotten said. "It's a lot like Shakespeare style. I think people will be surprised to hear the rhyming."
Logan said he expects people to like the play.
"Despite the high concept, it's totally funny," Logan said. "The words, physical bits, moving -- there are levels of comedy and humor."
According to Lydic, this is the critic's darling of Moliere's works.
"It's just as funny and entertaining as anything you can go and see in the movies this weekend," Lydic said.
"I think the aficionados of classics will be able to enjoy this," Cotten said. "But those who don't know about this play, they'll be able to enjoy it too. Like Kenneth Brown's Shakespeare movies, we made this accessible to a general audience."
The Misanthrope performances will run Feb. 8-10 and Feb. 13-17.
Students should bring their identification card to receive one free admission and tickets are $10 for the general public. The theater box office is open Monday-Friday from 12 to 4 p.m.
