Arts, Etc.Theater

Satire plays on ‘police’ corruption

Written by Slawomir Mrozek, "The Police" is a satirical comedy about criminal justice. Freshman Chris Smith plays The Sergeant while University of La Verne alumni Obren Milanovic plays the role of Smiths' superior as the Chief of Police. The production is student-directed by senior theater major David Rojas and is scheduled to play at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3, 4 and 5. / photo by Jennifer Contreras
Written by Slawomir Mrozek, “The Police” is a satirical comedy about criminal justice. Freshman Chris Smith plays The Sergeant while University of La Verne alumni Obren Milanovic plays the role of Smiths’ superior as the Chief of Police. The production is student-directed by senior theater major David Rojas and is scheduled to play at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3, 4 and 5. / photo by Jennifer Contreras

by Melissa Lau
Managing Editor

It was a doozie. From the moment the house lights dimmed and the Cabaret became a blue abyss, the characters gave the audience their first dose of comical toxins with a dance entrance that surpassed that of Roger Rabbit.

Through “The Police,” which was written by Slawomir Mrozek, senior David Rojas was able to weave into the satirical script, his ideas that invoke current issues. The product: a humorous piece with an important, underlying message. Crafted with a surge of comedy, recent war issues are apparent, if not obvious, through the use of costumes, props and dialogue.

As movement ceased and the lights changed once again, they revealed a simple, yet, complete police station, but more importantly, the Infant King and his Uncle the Regent. With one look at the pictures of these presidential figures, the message could not be clearer as to how this play is, in fact, handcuffed to politics.

The police chief (Obren Milanovic) goes through a daily regimen of asking the last prisoner (Eli Hernandez) to sign a statement of loyalty and obedience upon his release. After many years of refusing, the prisoner suddenly decides to sign the contract.

During the prisoner’s moment of deep thought, police officer Leonard, who also serves as the police dog (you heard right), showcases his instrumental talent on the cello as part of the background.

After much convincing, the chief allows the prisoner to sign the contract and releases him.

One problem: the police force still feels the need to arrest people. But who? As a test, they provoke the public to do wrong. Unfortunately for them, the public is completely loyal to the government and resists the temptation imposed upon their ears.

Confronted with such a problem, the chief goes to the house of the sergeant. His proud wife (Whitney Wickham) answers the door. Not knowing that it is the chief, she attempts to attack him.

It is not until after the revelation of a dream by the sergeant (Chris Smith), that the chief generates the idea of arresting the sergeant to save their jobs.

The sergeant is arrested and during his time in jail, he reads and, does an even worse thing-he thinks. When he speaks to the chief about his thoughts, the chief is clearly shocked. Thinking and forming opinions are not allowed. The chief hopes that the General (James Darrah) will help clear things up. However, sometimes things don’t turn out as planned.

Transitions between acts one and two flow smoothly, as two characters transform the stage. This cleaver approach to solving the ineffective problems of transitions on sets adds even more humor and insight to the play.

In addition, the directing approach has transcended the typical actor-audience relationship. The transition, for example, gives the feeling that one is watching a play inside a play (think behind the scenes). In addition, other parts of the play incorporate the audience by allowing the cast to step outside of the actor’s realm and into the domain of the audience. Members of the audience become a binding ingredient to the play, rather than merely peering through a glass wall.

Through this piece, it is clear to see how visual arts can be used as an effective form of communication in which a message can be shared with many people.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Call Dailey Theatre for reservations at extension 4386.

Melissa Betsy Lau, Editorial Director
Melissa Lau
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Jennifer Contreras, Editorial Director
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