Yale Bulletin and Calendar

December 6, 2002|Volume 31, Number 13

This costume sketch is for the character of Bobo in the School of Drama's production of Calderón's "The Great Magician."

Classic Spanish tale dramatizes the struggle for faith

Love drives a young man to make a pact with a demon in Pedro Calderón de la Barca's "The Great Magician," being presented Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 9-11 at the School of Drama.

The Yale production is the world premiere of a new adaptation and translation of the Spanish classic by drama school student Alex Barreto. It will be directed by drama school student Pat Diamond.

Written in 1637 while Calderón was a court dramatist for Spain's King Philip IV, "The Great Magician" is an auto sacramental, an allegorical play celebrating the mysteries of life and faith. It tells the story of Ciprian, who falls in love with an honorable Christian woman named Justina. To win her affections, Ciprian enters a bargain with a diabolical stranger. Ultimately, he and Justina become locked in a struggle for faith, their lives and their immortal souls.

Calderón is widely regarded as one of the great writers of the Golden Age of Spanish theater. He is best known for his play "Life Is a Dream," which was produced at the School of Drama during the 1998-1999 season.

Barreto, who is in his third year of the School of Drama's dramaturgy program, is the son of non-English-speaking Cuban immigrants and has been translating between English and Spanish much of his life. In 2001, he translated song lyrics, poetry and performance text for Mexican cabarrera Astrid Hadad. He is also author of "Guanina Supercrossover Taina" and co-author of "Manisfesto 13."

Diamond, who is in his final year of the M.F.A. directing program at the School of Drama, has worked widely in both theater and opera with such companies as the Santa Fe Opera and the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he worked for six seasons. At the Aspen festival, he was involved with the American premieres of new operas, including Turnage's "Greek" and Ades' "Powder Her Face." He has worked with such directors as Edward Berkeley, Bernard Uzan, John Copley and Werner Herzog.

"The Great Magician" will be presented at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11, in the University Theatre, 222 York St. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 7. Ticket prices range from $15-$18. Discounted rates for students, seniors and groups are available. To purchase tickets, call the Yale Repertory Theatre box office at (203) 432-1234.

Two special events have been scheduled in conjunction with "The Great Magician." The performance on Thursday, Dec. 5, will feature "An Evening of Spanish Arts" co-sponsored by the Yale University Art Gallery. Patrons purchasing tickets to that performance can take part in a tour of the gallery focusing on Spanish art and other works related to "The Great Magician." The tour, which runs 5-6 p.m., is free of charge, but separate reservations are required due to space limitations. To make a reservation, call (203) 432-7087.

The performance on Tuesday, Dec. 10, will be preceded by an "Ale Tasting" sponsored by Brewery Ommegang, a Belgian-style micro-brewery based in Cooperstown, New York. The tasting will begin at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the University Theatre. Government-issued proof of legal age is required. No reservations are necessary, but early arrival is recommended, as supplies are limited.

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Campus Notes