Gozzi and Serban's 'Stag' a surreal delight

By Sarah Rubin

For The Daily

Brilliantly interpreted by the American Repertory Theatre, Carl Gozzi's play "The King Stag" is the embodiment of true surrealistic art.

Combining colorful costumes, a sensitive musical score, lively choreography, expressive lighting and phenomenal characterization, this play excels in every possible aspect. Director Andrei Serban believes that "What Gozzi wanted to affirm is that the theatre's truth exists only within the theatre; that the theatre's function is not a copy or mimic of any sort of reality; and that naturalism is a perversion of art." Serban holds to this attitude, keeping the tone balanced with an effective combination of wit and melodrama.

"The King Stag" takes place in the Oriental Kingdom of Serendippo. King Deramo (Jay Boyer) is in search of the perfect queen. He has auditioned 2,748 princesses but thus far, the search has proven futile. Deramo is not picky; he just possesses a magical statue that can detect bad intentions. Scheming to attain the throne, the evil Prime Minister Tartaglia (Dmetrius Conley-Williams) advises the king to choose a local girl. Tartaglia then plots to place his daughter Clarice (Kristine Goto) in the newly-open position, but all goes awry when Deramo's statue senses Clarice's love for another man. Enraged, Tartaglia embarks upon a heinous endeavor to depose the king and replace him.

People die, love, laugh, mourn and are reborn within one act replete with what Serban refers to as "healthy laughter." Japanese "bunraku," Indonesian shadow-puppetry, Balinese temple-dancing and Renaissance street-theatre are delightfully intertwined to diversify the play.

All aspects of the production are exaggerated: Movements are delicately conspicuous, voices are laden with heavy inflection and costumes are flashy. This flamboyancy can be attributed to Julie Taymor, the phenomenal creator of ever-popular Broadway version of "The Lion King."

The cast and crew are as seasoned as they come. Mainly comprised of Harvard grads, they bubble with vigor and electricity. Members have graced television screens on PBS, MTV and Nickelodeon and have appeared in "Law and Order," "Sex in The City" and "Third Watch." The choreographer/costume designer has a Tony under her belt. The play's translator is a Guggenheim fellow. The amazing percussionist has performed with such artists as "The Violent Femmes," NPR's Garrison Keilor and Itzhak Perlman.

"The King Stag" is a guaranteed winner. Its appeal is evident on every level; audiences of all ages can appreciate the magnetism exuded by each facet.

Courtesy of UMS

Julie Taymor designed the costumes, masks and puppetry for "The King Stag."