by Adanna Moriarty, Ojai Valley News
Molière’s comedy “The Miser” has remained relevant to audiences since 1668 when it was first performed in Paris. Ojai Art Center Theater’s second production of its 80th season brings to life a classic art form in this Commedia dell’Arte (comedy of the profession) performance directed by Paul Sulzman.
“Commedia dell’Arte is considered a foundational structure upon which a sort of craft of comedy has emerged for the last several hundred years here in the West,” said Sulzman. Molière had a Commedia troupe of actors. The influence of Commedia is very apparent in all of his plays, so it made great sense to explore and develop our project with what Commedia has to offer for our production.”
Historians believe Commedia dell’Arte dates back to Roman times, although in a cruder form than what was fully developed in Italy in the mid-16th century, with professional actors, wearing masks, and performing in temporary venues, such as piazzas. The art form spread throughout Europe and even as far as Moscow. Commedia troupes would get terrible reviews, believed because, in a time where there were no women actors, these troupes utilized women to play women. Characters usually represent fixed social types, such as the foolish old man, a rascally servant, a police officer with a lot of false bravado. They told a story through both scripted word and physical actions that usually deal with real-world issues such as love or greed. “The Miser” deals with both of these things, and although can feel serious at times, is pure comedy.
“All effective comedy,” said Sulzman, “must be based in something truthful to which an audience can relate. If the audience can’t relate to what is happening, then it will not be funny to them. Comedy is based in truth but is a distortion of that truth which is then channeled through expression or reaction. It can be verbal or physical or both.” This is Sulzman’s second time directing “The Miser,” which he did in northern California.
Having a deep affinity for classical theater, and a career that has been both actor and director, Sulzman has taken his expertise and woven it throughout “The Miser.” He worked with his cast to let them develop their characters to ensure that audiences spend their time laughing.
“I suspect there comes a time in every actors’ life,” Sulzman added, “that an actor realizes how enriched they have become due to the different plays in which they have been involved. When you are involved in classical theater, you are exploring great stories and characters that have survived the test of time and are still relevant today.”
“The Miser” runs weekends from April 5 to April 28, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices $25 general admission, $20 seniors and AC members, and $10 for those under 25. You can purchase online at OjaiACT.org or call (805) 640-8797. Celebratory gala after opening night (tonight, April 5).