The University of Georgia Department of Theatre and Film Studies will perform The Mandrake from February 18 – 20 and 23- 27 in the Cellar Theatre at 8 p.m. Unlike most productions of The Mandrake, this show will feature an all female cast. Anthony Marotta, a professor in UGA’s theatre and film studies department and the director of the Mandrake, purposefully cast all of the roles, which were mostly male, with women. “Everything comes down to needing a woman,” says Anthony. “The men in power [in The Mandrake] are controlled by the women’s power.”
The Mandrake, also known as La Mandrogola by Niccolo Machiavelli, is a satirical play that tells the story of Callimaco, a young Florentine man who sees the beautiful Lucretia and falls in love with her. However, she is married, therefore Callimaco and his friend, Siro, must plan an effective, yet comical, scheme to win her affection. Throughout the comical play the actions of Callimaco, Siro and the other male characters provide a sardonic look at the societal norms and constraints of women.
“The play takes a look at masculinity…there is a lot of men looking at masculinity…I wanted to balance out the view,” explains Anthony. Although the female cast will be dressed as men and play men, the female characters in the play, like Lucretia, will be represented by puppets in the show. The puppets will be manipulated by the male-dressed female ensemble. For actors working with the puppets, this really alludes to men controlling women. The ironic imagery of the female puppets will provide many laughs, but will also provoke a deeper conversation within the audience.
Drew Atkinson, who will play Callimaco in The Mandrake, believes the show has a feminist message for its audience. “We are using male privilege to get the story out. It’s so incredible, because when you think of it, you can’t say these things as women, because we don’t have the same privilege. To have to turn ourselves into men to say these things is the real message.” Atkinson hopes the message will develop after the show is over. “You think you’re seeing a hilarious show but there are a lot hidden political themes. What Machiavelli wanted was a façade of a comedy. You will laugh at something and will have to do a double take. The real message will come out of the conversation spread afterwards.”
Preparing to play the opposite sex did not prove to be much of a challenge for Atkinson, who says she personally “does not identify with a particular gender.” This outlook and the character work done in rehearsal allowed her to really become Callimaco. “We focused on masculine stereotypes, made them as big as possible and worked our way down. The physicality was completely different.”
Another exciting aspect to look forward to when watching The Mandrake is the musicality incorporated at the beginning of the show and between each act. The beats and choreography were developed by Brad Burnham, an undergraduate and the assistant director/rhythmic designer of The Mandrake. Marotta says that the hip-hop feel of the music “gives the college audience something to connect to.” According to Atkinson, the music is “really fun, fast paced and really upbeat, which ties in well with the show. It keeps the drive [of the show] alive from act to act.”
“It’s a really good time,” says Ellen Briggs, one of the ensemble members. “Everyone should come see it.” With its feminist ideals, comedic plot and musical elements the show definitely appeals to a wide range of audience members. You can buy your tickets now at http://pac.uga.edu/. Tickets are $16, $12 for students.