[home][books][women's][movies]	STAGE & SCREEN

Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren in The Duchess of Malfi   LINKS: Ellen C. King's portfolio Shakespeare/Renaissance U of Illinois-production Marcella McCarthy on acting imagery in The Duchess of Malfi

Professor Larry Brown's Duchess of Malfi pages
Bosola, from a 1998 production at David Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, directed by Larry Brown (Laura Brewer as the Duchess, Jason Miller as Bosola, Wes Driver as Ferdinand, Andrew Talbert as the Cardinal, Chris Hughes as Antonio, Rachel Holman as Julia, Duff Harris as Death).

16th Century play ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ sends modern-day message. Danielle Hirsch, Staff Writer
 

Horror, corruption, revenge and integrity linger deep in the backbone of the Columbia College Theater Department’s latest production, “The Duchess of Malfi,” opening Nov. 7 at the Getz Theater.

“The Duchess of Malfi is not some dusty old classic,” said director Kathleen Perkins. “This play conveys a lot of contemporary overtones.”

“Duchess” takes place in 16th Century Italy during the High Italian Renaissance period. Unbeknownst to, and against the wishes of, her brothers, the young, beautiful Duchess of Malfi marries the steward of her household, Antonio, who is below her class.

A spy named Bosola, planted in her palace by her brothers, reports the births of the Duchess’ children. Her brothers become outraged when they discover what the Duchess has done. When her brothers find out the identity of her husband, they move in for revenge. They capture the Duchess and two of her children, confiscate her land and imprison her. Bosola, who becomes her torturer and executioner, has a change of heart as the play progresses and becomes her avenger.

“Bosola has blamed everyone else for the hardships of his life,” said Perkins. “His choices are motivated by greed and a desire to advance in his career. He has left behind the desire for knowledge and goodness. He thinks, at first, the Duchess is like himself, however, when he realizes this is not the case, he tries to follow her example.”

According to Perkins, the play is an examination of life experiences.

“The Duchess takes risks to shape her life and faces the consequences of her choices,” Perkins said. “She accepts her consequences with responsibility, not out of guilt. Her brothers and other characters hide their motivations and blame others for their consequences.”

“Duchess” was written in the early 17th Century by John Webster, a contemporary of Shakespeare. Webster was a hired-hand playwright at Shakespeare’s theater, where the play was first performed in 1614.

As a director, Perkins focuses on detail, organization and interpretation. Perkins coordinates all elements of production, including coaching actors, scenic design, lighting, costumes, makeup, sound and fight choreography. At the same time, Perkins must use interpretation to make sure the story gets told.

“The Duchess of Malfi” is a one-setting show that takes place over a six-year period, 1504-1510. The play includes bloody fight scenes, choreographed by David Woolley, and special effects dealing with corruption and death. Charles Jolls designed the lighting that sets the different moods of the play.

The design concept of the play keeps to the period of the 16th century. A huge marble staircase with crumbling balusters creates the various locations of the play.

“The deteriorating baluster symbolizes corruption,” said Perkins.

The dark and deep colors of the Renaissance surround the staircase. The play will include music that was part of the original production.

The play is dedicated to Frances Maggio, head of the Costume Design Department. Initially, Maggio was going to design the costumes for the play. However, she was in a car accident and is now learning to live in a wheelchair. The costumes were instead designed by Patricia Roeder, with the input of Maggio and Perkins, and are based on Renaissance paintings by Titan, Raphael and Lorenzo Lotto.

A great deal of preparation has gone into the production. The 23 cast members began rehearsing the second week of the fall semester. However, Perkins said she has been preparing for the play for many years.

“I did my graduate school paper on the play 5 years ago,” Perkins said.

Perkins has been a full-time artist-in-resident at Columbia College for eight years. She teaches Text Analysis and various levels of acting classes. In addition, she is the supervisor of the Basic Skills Acting Program.

Robert Parlter on Duchess of Malfi's literary fruits

More essays and links:

Gendered Nostaligia in The Duchess of Malfi
Integrity and Intrigue
Notes on The Duchess of Malfi
More Prouduction notes and reviews links

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