Contextual comedy

Before you see A Servant of Two Masters, currently playing at the Henley Street Theater, do some research. Written in 1743 by Carlo Goldoni, the comedy’s style is derived from mid-16th century commedia dell’arte. It’s quite literally old-school.

January 26, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Kristin Jimison

Before you see A Servant of Two Masters, currently playing at the Henley Street Theater, do some research. Written in 1743 by Carlo Goldoni, the comedy’s style is derived from mid-16th century commedia dell’arte. It’s quite literally old-school.

The play centers around Truffaldino (Richard Koch), a constantly-hungry servant hoping to double his wages by secretly working for two masters at once. Slapstick action ensues as he unsuccessfully tries to meet the needs of both Florindo and Federigo (SPOILER ALERT: Federigo is really Beatrice Rasponi, Florindo’s one true and forbidden love, dressed as a man. Federigo died at the hands of Florindo in a duel over Beatrice.) If your head’s not spinning yet, there’s also the matter of a broken betrothal between Silvio and Clarice (promised to the dead-but-now-seemingly-alive Federigo).

It all sounds very dramatic and angst-ridden, but the plot could easily be understood in a modern context as a Three Stooges act or a Saturday morning cartoon. This is a play that should be put on purely for laughter’s sake, and Koch’s Truffaldino does not disappoint. He is a buffoon, but a practiced one with excellent timing. Lyddall Bugg as Smeraldina, Truffaldino’s love interest, is also a standout, performing with verve and impertinence. At the preview show, the rest of the cast seemed as if they were in a different play altogether, confusing comedy with dramatic histrionics and shouting dialogue. However, there is much potential for improvement once they find a better rhythm.

Make no mistake, this is not a modern adaptation. While the themes of mistaken identity and unrequited love are universal, this production is likely quite similar to what theatergoers in the 18th century would have experienced. Viewed strictly through a 21st century lens, it’s easy to think that perhaps this particular genre should have stayed put in the 1700s. It would be a mistake to dismiss Servant for that reason. If you go, be sure to understand exactly what to expect; if you give this play some historical context, the laughs come a whole lot faster.

A Servant of Two Masters runs through February 13. All productions take place at The Pine Camp Arts and Community Center (4901 Old Brook Road). Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or by calling their box office at 804-340-0115. Show your Ukrop’s Valued Customer card at the door (or mention it when you call and get $10 off your ticket.

If you’re interested in checking this show out for yourself, it just so happens that we’ve got a pair of tickets for Friday’s (January 29) show. Enter to win the tickets here. The contest closes at noon on Wednesday.

January 26, 2010 6:00 AM 0