Theatre

I have to thank my European History background for helping me understand this play!  I can’t imagine following the wordy script without understanding the background of Medieval Europe, during the Pope crisis in the 14^th century.

Before mentioning the play, I would like to compliment the theatre complex – Signature Center.  Not only is there plenty of seating while waiting for the doors to open, but there is also a small café with hot/cold options to munch on before the show.  Featured playwrights have their plays for sale in a small bookstore next to the café. 

Okay, so Medieval Play starts off with two knights in shining armor, Sir Ralph and Sir Alfred (Josh Hamilton and Tate Donovan), recounting tales of pillaging, raping, and being very un-chivalrous!  The main character, Sir Ralph, was unhappy with his misdeeds and decides he must journey to work for a holier cause.  The two knights find Cardinal Robert of Geneva, enlisting mercenaries into his army to do the work of the Pope in Avignon.  When Sir Ralph discovers this work is not much better than what he did before, he decides he will live a sin free life – to get into heaven.  He really fails at this as he kills peasants, and covets his “neighbor’s” wife.

The entire play is filled with historical anecdotes.  There is a central focus on the conflict between the French Pope in Avignon, and the Pope in Rome (Bartolomeo Prignano, or Pope Urban VI – Anthony Arkin).  There was also mention of a book of etiquette, as etiquette and manners became “classy” in the late Middle Ages and during the Renaissance.  The play is also filled with very bad language, as the cast constantly curses.  There is also a lot of crude humor as there is talk of poop and sex, and even a sex scene!  One highlight may be seeing Sir Ralph’s derriere!

The interesting thing about the Signature Center is its focus on the playwright.  Because of this focus, I thought more deeply about the meaning and purpose of the play.  Yes, it was entertaining, historical, and I guess very stupid.  But it also brought up the question:  Has humanity progressed any?  Are we any less brutal?

Medieval Play – Kenneth Lonergan
The Pershing Square Signature Center
June 17, 2012

Marina B. Nebro

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