Western Courier

Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: The Edge

Media Credit: Dave Stram The fireman tells an amusing story to the Smiths, and the Martins.

Media Credit: Dave Stram

Media Credit: Dave Stram Odd poses and statements are the norm for "The Bald Soprano."

Wacky, absurdist humor prevailed in Horrabin Theatre with "The Bald Soprano," which ran April 2-5.

Widely hailed by critics as one of the finest examples of the Absurdist genre, a type of performance focused on the irrationality of the world, "The Bald Soprano" has been enjoyed in a variety of theatres since the 1950s. It was brilliantly brought to life by the actors of Western Illinois University in the sold-out theatre.

Set on a sparse stage with a few pieces of furniture and some asinine doors, the focus of "The Bald Soprano" is the repetition and absurdity of the English language.

One of the first things one notices, and a fact that prevails the entire play, is that all of the conversations are nonsensical. Illogical conclusions are as frequent as they are funny, with one of the first being that, like a captain of a boat, any respectable doctor should die along with his patients.

The key focus of the non-traditional dialogue is repetition. The characters repeat phrases and sentences to each other nearly ad nauseam but with changes of inflection and volume to further cement the idea of absurdity.

"The Bald Soprano" is hard to comprehend. While the audience is used to a traditional plot structure, this play offered none. Performed with no intermission and no clear story arc, the cast simply interacts on stage, getting increasingly more insane.

Nothing about "The Bald Soprano" is normal, including the characters' actions on stage. Stiff, robotic movements with over-dramatic facial expressions contrasts with moments of insanity as the performers run around stage screaming.

Sound effects are used successfully, as well. Eerie bells were heard at just the right moments as Mr. and Mrs. Martin (CJ Langdon and Ashlee Edgemon) go through a prolonged session of trying to figure out how they knew each other.

The play stayed ridiculous throughout with its odd sense of humor and purposely repetitive dialogue. The audience never seemed to find the same thing funny. Scattered laughs were heard throughout, but there was never a moment where the entire crowd laughed in unison. Many laughs were not at what was heard, but instead the over-the-top stage acting of the talented cast.

With the severe oddness of the dialogue and actions, "The Bald Soprano" had a strange ambiance that could leave a person both entertained and unsettled.

"It was scary and amusing at the same time," said freshman music business major Brady Lavin.

The play itself was not very long, but considering the unusual elements of the performance, this remains a good thing. "The Bald Soprano" does not overstay its deranged welcome and ends right after its climax.

Absurd performances are seen relatively rarely, and "The Bald Soprano" shows that through insanity, repetition and talented performers, the English language is something to be laughed at.

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