 "Photo: Tri Vo | Daily Texan Staff")
 "Photo: Tri Vo")
 "Photo: Tri Vo")
In 18th century England, riddling banter and playful wit were more than just means of flirting or telling a story. They were social norms, an essential part of old English manner and vernacular, and they were the most appropriate way of getting what you wanted. Well, maybe the bewigged powder-faced Englishmen weren't quite as clever and sharp-tongued as Hollywood would have us believe, but the characters in William Congreve's 1700s play, "The Way of the World," certainly live up to - and exceed - these social expectations. Starting last Friday, the MFA Acting Class of the UT Theatre and Dance Department presented "The Way of the World," widely considered the finest example of Restoration comedy, under the direction of Jesse Berger.
The classic period piece marks Berger's directorial debut in Austin, though he has directed professionally all over the U.S., from New York to San Diego. "I always enjoy working with students, because they hold me to a higher standard," he said. "They question more, which forces me to re-examine my own work."
As is characteristic of Restoration comedy, the plot of "The Way of the World" is quick-paced and rather complicated. It's sort of like watching a basketball game - you may not remember exactly who passed, stole or fouled, but you never miss who scored. Each punch line or clever manipulation is a point for the speaker in a layered, multi-player game of wit and style with money, marriage and outlooks on life at stake.
"The way people get things in this play is by how witty and quick they are and how much style they have," Berger said. "A lot of our analogies in rehearsal have been about basketball games and ping-pong games." And yes, as is often the case with any form of art from the 18th century, sexual undertones abound.
This playful web of keen intellect and highbrow humor is performed with vigorous perfectionism by experienced thespians. The actors' mastery of this classic style is evident in every exaggerated twist of the wrist, cock of the eyebrow and association of a specific word to a specific gesture. The cast is framed by set pieces of ornate gold molding and an elaborate wardrobe of 18th century costumes that would leave Kenneth Branagh simply giddy.
Those unacquainted with Restoration comedy should not write off "The Way of the World" as a pompous snoozer of a play, probably as dull as anything from the year 1700 must be (at least to Generation iPod). To do so would be to miss out on a raucous of a story with a big heart beneath its farcical shell - and did we mention the abounding sexual references?
As Berger put it, "Not all plays stand the test of time, but the ones that do have something to say, because they touch on something basic to our humanity. In this case, it is affectation and manners and how we use styles and manners to get what we want." Plus, the Theatre & Dance Department claims it'll make for a great date - so brush up your own manners, turn on the wit and let the games begin.
"The Way of the World" plays Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at Oscar G. Brockett Theatre at 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.
Be the first to comment on this article!