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Image [ 245k ]SFA to open theatrical comedy
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Love, honor, disguises and pratfalls are all a part of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre's production of "The Servant of Two Masters" which will open in W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, and run through Saturday, Oct. 7.
At the center of Carlo Goldoni's comedy is the seemingly dim-witted servant Truffaldino, played by Richmond sophomore Xzavien Hollins. Audiences will delight in watching Truffaldino juggle the demands of his two masters, neither of whom knows of the other, said Rick Jones, SFA assistant professor of theatre and the play's director.
Truffaldino's situation is even more comedic to the audience because they are aware of the relationship between the two masters. Truffaldino believes his first master is Federigo Rasponi, but "he" is actually Federigo's sister, dressed to look like her brother. Beatrice, played by Garland senior Savannah Seilheimer, has come to Venice in search of her lover, Florindo.
As fate (or the playwright) would have it, Truffaldino's second master is Florindo, played by Austin senior Guy Vizard.
"The play's humor springs from a basic element of comedy--the superiority of the audience to the characters," explained Jones. "We know what they don't. we relax while they labor and we are safe while they are in peril."
"The audience finds humor in Truffaldino's poor decisions, because they know he is at risk of being discovered and being made a fool," said cast member Sara Boland-Taylor, Arlington junior. "And in spite of his outlandish lies, they pull for him to succeed and not get caught."
"We know from the start that Truffaldino's ruse will eventually be found out and that the lovers will be reunited," Jones said. "It's the twists and turns along the way that provide the humor."
"The Servant of Two Masters" is a joint production of the SFA College of Fine Arts and the School of Theatre and is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford of Nacogdoches.
Prior to the opening night performance, Jones will present a brief informative talk at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from Turner Auditorium.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.