Arts, Etc.Theater

Comical antics play into scheming ‘Liolà’

Mita (sophomore Samantha Chung) is comforted by her Aunt Gesa (junior Hilary Hahn) after a fight with her husband, Uncle Simone (freshman Anthony Guerrero) in "Liolà." The play, written by Sicilian playwright Luigi Pirandello, was directed by guest director Georgij Paro. It opened March 27 in Dailey Theatre and runs through tomorrow. / photo by Jennifer Contreras
Mita (sophomore Samantha Chung) is comforted by her Aunt Gesa (junior Hilary Hahn) after a fight with her husband, Uncle Simone (freshman Anthony Guerrero) in “Liolà.” The play, written by Sicilian playwright Luigi Pirandello, was directed by guest director Georgij Paro. It opened March 27 in Dailey Theatre and runs through tomorrow. / photo by Jennifer Contreras

by Bailey Porter
Staff Writer

The University of La Verne’s Department of Theatre Arts had the audience howling with laughter on the opening night of the hit play “Liolà.”

The play is set in an imaginary countryside and centers on a middle-aged man, Uncle Simone (Anthony Guerrero), who is faced with the problem of not having a son.

The antics of a young man in town, Liolà (Eli Hernandez), only perpetuate Uncle Simone’s frustrations. Liolà seems to have such a way with the ladies that any woman he even gestures to will become pregnant.

Uncle Simone is riddled with shame and self-doubt until his niece becomes pregnant. In a twisted plan, he decides to take her in and claim the child.

He knows that he is not the father, but he wants to believe in the plan and even turns on his wife, Mita (Samantha Chung). Uncle Simone convinces Mita that it is her fault they never had children.

Scheming ensues throughout the play as two women, Mita and Tuzza (Whitney Wickham), find their lives changed by Liolà.

“Liolà” was written in 1916 by Sicilian novelist and playwright Luigi Pirandello. Pirandello believed that life was a sad and tragic farce, but that people invent perceptions of reality, so that they can be happy.

In “Liolà,” Pirandello examines the tendency to create illusions to survive reality. He explores the relativity of truth and, displays the inherent need in humans to celebrate life.

The wallowing Aunt Ninfa (Sarah Morales) and hilariously anxious Aunt Gesa (Hilary Hahn) contribute to the energy of the play with their laments over the scandal that shakes the town when the question arises as to whom impregnated Mita and Tuzza.

The title character of "Liolà," played by junior Eli Hernandez, describes his harvesting technique. Juniors Bianca Shehata and Hilary Hahn play La Moscardina and Aunt Gesa. / photo by Jennifer Contreras
The title character of “Liolà,” played by junior Eli Hernandez, describes his harvesting technique. Juniors Bianca Shehata and Hilary Hahn play La Moscardina and Aunt Gesa. / photo by Jennifer Contreras

A flock of young women are everywhere that Liolà is. A chorus of giggles or exasperated sighs follows, depending upon how they feel about Liolà at the time. This chorus encourages many of the comedic elements of the play as the women move in and out of the story with fluidity, becoming the center of festive moments and stepping aside as commentators.

The small cast delivers a show that allows for much laughter and amusement given the play’s underlying serious aspects.

International theater director Georgij Paro directed “Liolà” for the ULV stage.

“It is a comedy, but with dark undertones,” he said.

Eight years before Pirandello wrote “Liolà,” he published an essay, “On Humor.” In this work, he defines the contrast between illusion and reality as it relates to humor. Something of this can be seen in “Liolà.”

On the surface, actions seem comical, but it is not until the audience understands the characters for the illusions that they keep, that understanding comes into play. The laughter is different, then, and becomes more of a compassionate reflection of the reality behind the illusion.

Weaved through the dialogue and even physical comedy of the actors are catchy songs and spontaneous-like dances. Music was written and performed by guitarist Michael Ryan.

“I thought it went well. I only wish more would come to watch,” Paro said. “I think the kids did great.”

Freshman Colleen Wilke came to give support to her roommate Wickham. The closing scene with chirping birds in a nest struck her as a symbol of life prevailing even after a death, she said.

“Liolà” will end its run at 8:15 p.m., tonight and tomorrow night in Dailey Theatre.

Bailey Porter, LV Life Editor
Bailey Porter
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Jennifer Contreras, Editorial Director
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