Page 18 • Thursday, September 11, 2003
A&E
The Pendulum
Theater of the Deaf makes noise with ‘Figaro’
Laura Somerville
Reporter
As the main stage Hghts bright
en, Viva, a man dressed in a tai
lored black suit, steps out from
behind the curtain into the pres
ence of his fellow cast members.
Entering into conversation he
articulates his views with vivid
gestures and expression; however,
he does not speak.
Viva, along with the cast mem
bers of “Oh, Figaro!” or “The
Adventures of Viva and Figaro”
are unique because they combine
the talents of deaf and hearing
actors into one vibrant produc
tion.
Viva, one of the main charac
ters in “Oh, Figaro!,” becomes
involved in the romantic farce
which twists and turns in the jour
ney towards true love. In Act I,
the production involves a rich toy
maker who wants to marry a
young immigrant.
Unfortunately there is another
who competes for the fair maid’s
love, her immigration sponsor.
In an effort to win her affections,
both men employ the help of out
side counselors to gain her atten
tion.
One man chooses an incompe
tent individual, while the other
confides in a trusted old acquain
tance. The development of the
central plot leads those involved
to question loyalty, true love and
friendship.
The play, produced by the
National Theatre of the Deaf and
directed by Sheryl Kaller, is an
adaptation from “The Barber of
Seville” and “The Marriage of
Figaro” by Pierre de
Beaumarchais, written by John
Augustine and Willy Conley.
The National Theater of the
Deaf utilizes a company of deaf
and hearing actors and actresses
in order to allow the audience to
hear and see every written word.
The production will be performed
at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10,
in McCrary Theatre.
During rehearsal, a few of the
cast members were available for
questions. Shanny Mow, a deaf
gentleman who plays the charac
ter Basil, pointed out that, “What
makes us a bit different from non
deaf actors is that we rely more on
our bodies for communication,
while those hearing rely on their
I
Photo courtesy of the Office of Cultural Programs
The National Theater of the Deaf perform “Oh, Figaro!” in McCrary Theater Wednesday night.
voices.
In productions that combine
the hearing and deaf, Mow said
“most of the time hearing actors
do voices for actors while we sign
our lines. They work with us to
try to synchronize the words of
American Sign Language and
English.”
Although to most the differ
ences in communication may
seem to be an overwhelming chal
lenge, Mow and fellow cast mem
bers embrace the task.
Like any other actor. Mow
said, “Every performance you are
offered the challenge of how to
deal with different theaters and
different audiences. You try to
get the best out of each other as
actors for each performance.
Each night we try to capture the
best performance we can.”
The National Theater of the
Deaf was established 36 years ago
and is nationally recognized for
its talented company of actors.
Having performed more than
7,000 productions in 30 countries
and in all 50 states, the National
Theater of the Deaf has received
recognition from the Tony Awards
and the Grammy Awards, and has
been chosen from highly compet
itive groups to travel and perform
internationally.
Contact Laura Somen'ille at pen-
dulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.
John Mayer’s ‘Heavier Things’ shows maturity, jazz influences
JOHN MAYER
HEAVIER THINGS
Brittany Yelverton
. 1, v^'
n):
Pholo courtesy of johnmayer.coiii
"Heavier Things" was released Tuesday to critical acclaim.
Reporter
John Mayer’s highly anticipat
ed album, “Heavier Things,” is a
blend of soulful ballads and gui
tar-driven melodies that reflect
Mayer’s evolvement and maturity
as a musician.
“Room for Squares,” John
Mayer’s first major record, was
relea.sed in 2001. His introspec
tive lyrics and remarkable song
writing attracted fans of pop,
blues and jazz music and earned
him a nomination for the Grammy
Award’s Best New Artist.
Mayer’s new release is sure to
generate as much buzz as “Room
for Squares.”
The expressive lyrics on
Mayer’s newest album are what
set it apart from his previous
recordings. Though “Room for
Squares” was an excellent record.
“Heavier Things” is a more emo
tive look at what drives the
human spirit. Songs included on
the album comment on issues
dealing with love, self discovery
and the meaning of life.
Mayer’s recent single gracing
the radio airwaves, “Bigger Than
My Body,” describes how people
are restricted not only by their
bodies, but by the world. The
major appeal of “Heavier Things”
is the fact that the songs are
defined by emotions that every
one can relate to.
In “New Deep” Mayer sings
about the boundless search for
defining life. “Cause ever since
I’ve tried/ Trying not to find/
Every little meaning in my life/
It’s been fine. I’ve been cool/
With my new golden rule.”
Mayer’s new album also dif
fers from his past recordings
bccause it draws on various musi
cal influences.
The use of acoustic and elec
tric guitar are signature elements
in all of his music, but “Heavier
Things” also incorporates horn
sections into several of the songs,
bringing a fresh, jazzier sound to
John Mayer’s music. The first
track, titled “Clarity,” uses trum
pets and comets to produce an
upbeat, contemporary feel for the
song, while “Come Back to Bed”
utilizes the horn line to create a
romantic aura.
Mayer’s “Heavier Things,” is
an amazing album from a skilled
musician. This new album will
delight longtime fans, but no mat
ter what your musical preference,
this record will entertain as well
as inspire you.
Contact Brittany Yelverton at
pendulum%ehn.edu or 278-