The romantic comedy is getting a makeover.
In Folger Theatre’s production of “The Gaming Table,” laughs are plentiful as men and women woo each other amid the backdrop of an 18th-century gambling house. The play, penned by Susanna Centlivre and published in the early 1700s, focuses on a group of men and women who are plagued by misunderstandings in their romantic pursuits.
“The Gaming Table” presents a cast of colorful characters that engage the audience. Each character has a unique set of interests and motivations, making the interactions between the characters especially entertaining.
The variation among the principle female characters distinguishes the play from others published during the same time period. The play at once allows women to be flirtatious, independent, scientific and cunning.
Despite the romance that drives the play, each woman maintains her own ideals and interests. A significant amount of the play is spent detailing the pursuits of the women who face resistance from their families and society due to their independent natures.
“The Gaming Table” also depicts, with a touch more seriousness, the rigidity of class structures in the 18th century. When a character gambles more than she possesses, she nearly ruins her husband, but is saved by a wealthy gentleman. Her attempts to rise above her station are met with absolute failure.
A notable element of the play is the physicality of the actors. At times, the acting verges on unadulterated slapstick, threatening to descend into a mad blend of exaggerated facial expressions and physical gags. However, the play remains grounded by the quick, clever dialogue and the intriguing, if rather predictable, storyline.
The play’s plot unfolds quickly and with a sense of joviality. Frequent asides to the audience add to the pleasantry and increase the sense of audience participation.
The layout of the theater ensures that the audience is engaged. Throughout the play, actors traverse the single aisle that divides the sets of seats, using it as an extension of the stage.
Audience members can witness the sweat and spit of the actors at close range, adding a new dimension to the experience.
The characters also exchange conspiratorial looks with the audience members at times. The subtleties of the performance set it apart from others. The play allows even minor characters to shine.
A play that relates not only the trials of romantic relationships but also striking class differences, “The Gaming Table” is immediately relatable to modern times. Although not a cheap ticket, it will charm college students especially with its lighthearted take on love and relationships in the 18th century.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
