By Ernest Kearney — I can’t say I am very conversant with the 17th century Spanish Playwright Tirso de Molina. He was a fascinating contradiction of passions and pursuits. Joining the Mercedarian Order at 21, he spent his life as a friar rising to levels of authority within its ranks; yet his commitment to Holy Orders could not dampen his love of theatre. The author of at least 80 plays and perhaps hundreds more, the sexuality and philosophical impedance of his work was constantly leading to his superior banishing him and trying to stifle his writing. But until his death in 1648, de Molina wrote on and today is regarded as one of Spain’s great playwrights.
The Blade of Jealousy by Henry Ong is a reworking of one of de Molina raucous comedies La Celosa De Sí Misma/Jealous of Herself (1622).
Ong has taken the piece from the courts of Spain and transferred it to downtown L.A.
Geronimo (Juan Haro), Melchor( Terry Woodberry), and Ventura (Eddie Mui) (Photo by Ivelisse Photography – Courtesy of Whitefire Theatre)
The story is a bewildering mix-up of lovers and suitors; chock-full of mistaken identities and lovers’ spats.
I can’t say there is much of a play here, and Director Denise Blasor doesn’t do much to bring one forth.
There’s a lot of sweetness and a very personal sense that radiates from the cast, so while the evening is mildly amusing it comes across like a private joke among friends.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, fluffy and with the impact of wet cotton candy, this may be a show for you.
Longo Chu provides music on stage and is about the liveliest aspect of the evening.
(Pictured in Featured Image: Angela (Carla Valina) and Magdalena (Natalie Amendula) – Photo by Ivelisse Photography)
♦ ♦ ♦
The Blade of Jealousy is at
The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Performances every Sunday
at
7 p.m.
from
June 24 to August 26, 2018
For Tickets and Information Go To: www.whitefiretheatre.com
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