Sometimes a play or a piece of music has such an effect on audiences that they can’t control themselves. Just as the premiere of Stravinky’s ‘Rite of Spring’ caused a stampede among patrons, John Millington Synge’s ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ incited a riot in its 1907 Dublin debut. Perhaps it was the political climate of Ireland at the turn of the century, or perhaps Synge’s play hits on a subliminal level not fully understood. The reaction was replicated in many cities in its American tour shortly after.
City Lit Theater revives ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ under the direction of Brian Pastor. Synge’s play tells the story of a strange man who comes upon a rural Irish alehouse and regales the crowd with a grizzly confession of murder. Christy Mahon (Joshua Servantez) is a meek farmhand who bashes his father over the head with a gardening spade. Though in disbelief at first, the villagers around the pub eventually take his word. Christy is raised in esteem among these simple folk as a hero as he explains the wickedness of his father. Soon he’s being chased by all the maidens in town, but two in particular vie for his affection. The alehouse owner’s daughter Pegeen Mike (Michaela Voit) and the Widow Quin (Brenda Wlazlo) become the two biggest contenders for young Christy’s heart. Emboldened by their pursuit of him, Christy starts getting a big head forgetting the once timid version of himself.
‘The Playboy of the Western World’ employs a large cast and in Pastor’s production the players work well together. Accents can sometimes be the Achilles heel of any production, but dialect coach Carrie Hardin’s work pays off. There’s a cohesion to the accents that help immediately place the audience in a time and place without distraction.
Michaela Voit is enchanting to watch as the young suitor to the flailing Christy. Joshua Servantez has all the charm and slapstick physicality to effectively communicate the shift in his persona once he becomes the town mascot. Though, the most touching and emotionally evocative performance comes from Brenda Wlazlo.
While the political turbulence of early 20th century Ireland was in full swing at the time of this play’s premiere, there’s almost no mention of anything political in the play. In fact, despite its gruesome premise, ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ is a comedy. Synge’s characters end up idolizing Christy even more knowing he’s a murderer. In that regard, it would appear that very little has changed in 120 odd years. Perhaps that was the reason for the rioting during performances.
‘The Playboy of the Western World’ fully lives up to its title. In this play we see an unredeemable character scheme his way to the top through dishonesty and vanity. The indictment of Irish morals is hard to argue by today’s standards, and so instead it remains relevant in its cheeky sense of humor and poetic dialogue. City Lit has mounted a faithful production that offers a great opportunity to acquaint oneself with this classic play.
Through August 14th at City Lit Theater. 1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave. www.citylit.org
