Arts, Etc.Theater

‘Don Juan’ captivates, seduces ULV tonight

Don Juan, right, (played by Obren Milanovic) scoffs as Don Carlos (Carlos Moreno) holds Don Alonse (Daryl Baltazar) in a near fight to the death. The play "Don Juan" is a modern interpretation of the book by late author Moliére. Milanovic has held the leading role in eight of 14 plays in which he has performed at the University of La Verne. The production began showing yesterday. / photo by Jason Cooper
Don Juan, right, (played by Obren Milanovic) scoffs as Don Carlos (Carlos Moreno) holds Don Alonse (Daryl Baltazar) in a near fight to the death. The play “Don Juan” is a modern interpretation of the book by late author Moliére. Milanovic has held the leading role in eight of 14 plays in which he has performed at the University of La Verne. The production began showing yesterday. / photo by Jason Cooper

by Christian A. Lopez
Staff Writer

For more than two months, patience, hard work and dedication have defined the University of La Verne’s Department of Theatre Arts in its ventures of bringing to life “Don Juan,” a classic comedy by famous French playwright Moliére.

Moliére’s 17th Century version, “Don Juan: Au Le Festine de Pierre (Don Juan: or the Stone Banquet)” is a treatment of the famous hero Don Juan, the seducer, which originated in Spain.

As legend has it, Don Juan is the infamous “player” of his time. He uses women for his pleasures, discards of them when he grows tired of them, and moves on to his next conquest without any remorse for the thousands of hearts he breaks along the way.

Taking on the role of Don Juan’s shameless character is junior Obren Milanovic. Milanovic, a theater major, has the task of creating a love-hate relationship with the audience.

“I play the role of the existential hero who uses women, monopolizes people, manipulates them and doesn’t believe in heaven or hell. He just believes in pleasure moments in life, no matter what it affects as long as it benefits him,” said Milanovic.

Helping to bring into being Don Juan is director Georgij Paro, who is also director of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Paro has worked in numerous productions at the University of La Verne over the past 10 years.

The play begins in a small Mexican village, which is a twist from Moliére’s original setting in Sicily, Italy. Don Juan’s servant Sganarelle, played by alumnus Tom Moose, gossips with Gusman, played by Ernie Granillo, about Don Juan. The conversation introduces the audience to Don Juan’s careless attitude toward women, the sacrament of marriage and God.

Doña Elvire, played by Tracy Governatori, was abducted by Don Juan from a convent and finds herself as another of Don Juan’s toys. She confronts Don Juan about his betrayal, but finds him shamelessly using conviction of taking her from her first love, God, as the reason for abandoning her.

In the next act, Pierrot, a slow-witted peasant man played by Ken Britton, enthusiastically tells his fiancée Charlotte about his heroic rescue of Don Juan and Sganarelle from their drowning death. Charlotte, played by senior Jennifer Holindrake, pays little attention to Pierrot as he babbles on about his valiant efforts.

Don Juan and Sganarelle walk in as the two carry on a conversation about love. Intrigued by her beauty, Don Juan takes advantage and maliciously deceives Charlotte into marrying him.

Mathurine, a peasant girl, walks into the scene. Mathurine, played by Samantha Kern, aggressively inquires of Don Juan’s actions and finds herself in a quarrel with Charlotte. Meanwhile, Don Juan encounters La Ramée, a vagabond woman, who warns Don Juan about the danger he is in. La Ramée, played by Princess Sterns urges Don Juan to leave if he wants to live.

After fleeing for his life, Don Juan comes into contact with a bum who is opposite of what Don Juan symbolizes.

The bum, played by Beaux Enriquez, is portrayed as a modern day version of a homeless squatter who is devoted to God. Don Juan tries to get the bum to blaspheme God by offering him money, but he remains loyal.

Don Juan suddenly spots a gang of bandits shooting at a man and decides to help. He saves the desperate man who turns out to be Doña Elvire’s brother Don Carlos, who ironically is looking to kill Don Juan. Don Carlos, played by Carlos Moreno, is greatful to Don Juan, but is unaware of his identity.

In the final scene a specter, acted out by Sarah Leddy, takes the audience to witness the grand finale, in which they find out if Don Juan’s heavenly encounter lead him to repent.

His judgment can be seen on the Dailey Theatre’s Cabaret Stage and will be playing tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and continues with performances May 3, 4 and 5.

General admission will be $8, $5 for faculty and seniors, and $3 for students.

Christian A. Lopez, Staff Writer
Christian A. Lopez
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Jason Cooper, Staff Photographer
Jason Cooper
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