DeSales Act 1 Theatre brings together a number of theatrical styles for an engaging and unique take on the history of theater in Ireland.
DeSales Act 1 Theatre presents a fascinating, creative “Dublin by Lamplight” through Oct. 11 on the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.
Written by Michael West in collaboration with Irish theater company The Corn Exchange, “Dublin by
Lamplight” takes audiences to Dublin in 1904, a year marked by revolution as well the year in which Ireland opened the first ever national theater with Dublin’s Abbey Theatre.
“Dublin by Lamplight” draws inspiration from historical people at the time, but puts its own fictional twist on the story for a thought-provoking tragi-comedy. The story takes place on the day King Edward VII is visiting Dublin, creating political turmoil as the theater is set for its opening night.
The performance combines elements of Commedia dell’arte, and mime. The characters are archetypal; actions are self-narrated; performer wear exaggerated white face makeup and mime actions a highly physicalized, presentational way. Rather than interacting directly, performers mime their own side of fights and interactions while facing the audience.
Adding to theatricality of it all, Alayna Lino is the foley artist who is in view on stage and becomes a part of the action, cleverly indicating the scenes by removing a record from its sleeve and placing it on a Victrola.
Greysen Kesler is desperately passionate as Willy, the dreamer, and a playwright who is the driving force behind the creation of the new theater. Kesler’s sole goal is his art, even to the point of being blind to what is happening around him.
Willy’s hard-drinking brother Frank is played by Teddy Novak as a conflicted blowhard who is to play ancient Irish mythological hero Cú Chulainn in his brother’s play, but whose mistakes threaten everything.
Chloe Russell plays Eva, a theater patron and cast as the female lead in the play, as a head-strong, committed revolutionary and the one character who never wavers in her convictions.
As Martyn. Ian Higgins personifies the clown archetype, constantly worrying and over reacting in humorous fashion.
Olivia Lucano’s Maggie is appealing as the classical ingenue who is plucked from the wardrobe to be the star, although things do not turn out as expected.
Joshua Bridges is hopelessly romantic as the doomed Jimmy.
The performers also effortlessly pivot to portray dozens of other smaller characters from starstruck police to threatening thugs. The show features outstanding performances by the six-person cast who range from funny to poignant to tragic.
Director David Pica keeps the action fast-paced and entertaining.
David Gallo’s scenic design is a simple stage and a lamplight on stage which complements the actors’ theatrical performances.
Following the Oct. 9 performance, audiences are invited to attend a post-show soirée, “The Lamplight Social,” featuring themed food and beverages, activities, a photo opportunity, and a raffle. Raffle prizes include offerings from local businesses McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, Donegal Square, and Braveheart Highland Pub.
There will be a performance featuring audio-description for the blind or visually-impaired and open captioning for deaf or hard-of-hearing performance, Oct. 10. The performance also is pay-what-you-can.
Tickets are $27 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 8 and 9; 2 p.m. Oct. 4, 10 and 11, and 9:45 a.m. Oct. 5.
For information, call 610-282-3192 or go to www.desales.edu.