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"Audience"

Havel

By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).Published 3 years ago 2 min read
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Broadway Bob.

Fri, Jun 25 at 12:42 PM

"Audience" written by Vaclav Havel is an absurdist comedy that focuses on a time in Havel's life when he was remanded to work at a brewery as punishment for writing critical articles about the communist Czechoslovakian government. "Audience" follows his fictional alter ego Ferdinand Vanek and his dialogue between he and the Brewmaster (Teresa Linnihan). Havel would eventually go from a prison cell to the presidential palace: from 1989 till 2003 and through the overseeing of the newly formed Czech Republic, Havel would lead his people toward democracy throughout his long presidency. With the infusion of the CAMT Marionette's, The Bohemian Theater put forth what is billed as Havel's funniest, most absurdist play.

In a unique staging, the audience members have two big screens to look at with four different cams covering the action. While the set and stage are ample enough to see the performance as is, the big screens add a superb affect of the puppets who are very much part of the plays essence. The two actors are deft in bringing the puppets to lifelike form from the outset.

In a right from wrong standpoint, Vanek (Vit Horejs) refuses to help the Brewmaster write weekly reports about himself which offends his boss; Vanek will stand by his principals even if it means that he will not get the cushy position running the warehouse. What appears at first is that the Brewmaster holds all the cards, however, as the play moves forward, Vanek, the man who is an acclaimed writer, a man who was once celebrated by many writers and actors has all the power and strength. The Brewmaster needs him, his drinking has turned him into a weaker boss at the brewery; he is a man who relishes in the old days when things ran better. In a feeble attempt, the Brewmaster tries psychological warfare with pointless chat, clumsy interrogations, flattery and alcohol consumption to try to make Vanek see things his way.

While the two actors were very good, the Marionettes enjoyable, the story itself was very repetitive and at times boring. The plot is a good one, it just doesn't have enough consistent dialogue during the 60 minute performance. Rather than the repetition of questions this play would be better served with deeper dialogue that leaves the audience with more to chew on.

Vocal makes me write 600 words so he is the add on:

CAMT is dedicated to the preservation of traditional puppetry. the puppets have been featured at LaMaMa and the Bohemian Theater. Vit Hores escaped communism and was born in Prague... he has had puppets in Toronto, the US, Europe. "Pig and Bear", "Faust", he has acted as well as directed and played Carnegie Hall. In the Covid times it is great to have theater back... thought this show could have been more... 2 repetitive but still great to be back in the mix reviewing.

38 shows or there about will open starting in September which is great news. Very curious about what will be very good and what will be watered down.

Vit is resident artist at La Mama, and has received a lifetime achievement award. Bohemian Hall puts on many Czech plays as well as other cou

I need to keep the 6requimentsword600 requirements word needs it.Have l have been more could of a better story. Marionettes were interesting. All in all the Atlantic did a more interesting festival on HavelHavel president Washington Czech.

art
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About the Creator

Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).

I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows

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