By: Madison Wait
In an adapted Italian comedy based on improvised theatre, or commedia dell’arte, Gardner-Webb’s theatre department will be premiering the Servant of Two Masters on April 7, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dover Theatre.
The Servant of Two Masters follows a different set of rules than traditional theatre. For example, unlike most plays, the Servant of Two Masters doesn’t address any particular issue, like religion or political regimes. Instead, it follows a straightforward story line.
“It’s about a servant trying to serve two masters at once, when he isn’t supposed to,” said Dr. Christopher Nelson, the director of the play.
After producing the Children’s Hour last semester, a dark play about the disastrous effects of rumors have on the lives of others, Nelson decided to that Gardner-Webb’s stage needed something lighter.
“We haven’t done this kind of comedy before,” said Nelson. “It’s more for fun and laughter than anything else.”
Additionally, in true commedia dell’arte fashion, the play encourages audience participation. “It’s what makes this play so unique,” said Gardner-Webb junior Andy Bennett, who will be playing the role of Truffaldino. “We constantly break the fourth wall, so there’s a lot of interaction with the audience.”
“The fourth wall” is a theatrical term that represents an imaginary wall that exists between the actors on stage and the audience. In traditional theatre, this means that the actors never acknowledge or involve the audience in the performance. However, “[this play] is very representational,” said Nelson, “so the actors talk aside to the audience and acknowledge them.”
The Servant of Two Masters will run from April 7 – 10 in the Dover Theatre. Each performance will start at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday, April 10. Sunday will be a matinee performance that will start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday’s show, April 9, will be interpreted.
Tickets for adults are $10, tickets for seniors and non-Gardner-Webb students are $5, and tickets for children and Gardner-Webb students are free.