Opera meets reality

Opera meets reality

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Opera meets reality

Despite the obstacles often faced by new small theatres companies here in Bangkok, especially the English-speaking ones, Culture Collective Studio handled their second production with impressive grace.

Bangkok is not very accustomed to conversation-heavy plays or any other forms of entertainment. We are, however, a lot more accustomed to seeing transgender and male homosexual characters in all forms of entertainment, more often than not as comic relief.   

It is both a brave and fitting choice then to stage Terrence McNally's 1989 play, The Lisbon Traviata, with its more rounded characters and realistic portrayal of gay relationships than what we're used to seeing in Thailand. And director Loni Berry and his cast give us a solid and engaging production.

Steven Fry and female impersonator Pan Narkprasert (aka Thailand's waacking drag queen Pangina Heals) are engrossing as opera aficionados Stephen and Mendy, who banter about operas and relationships through a humorous and entertaining first act.

The play takes a dark turn in the second act when Stephen returns home to face the reality of his relationship with his long-term boyfriend Mike. In the role of Mike, Steven Ward gives a slightly awkward but still emotionally committed performance. David Sef, as Mike's lover Paul, sometimes struggles with the language but plays Paul with touching tenderness.

Berry set the play in Bangkok and made minor adjustments in details, sometimes to witty and humorous effect, even though the play is very much contained in two apartments that could be in a number of cities in the world. But by doing so, it feels like Berry has given us a glimpse into a private world of people who move between vastly different cultures -- a world foreign to many Bangkok residents.


The Lisbon Traviata

continues every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until Nov 15, at 7pm, at Culture Collective Studio, 3rd Floor, Chatrium Residence Riverside (Charoen Krung 70). Tickets are 800 baht. Visit www.culture-collective.com.

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