Water is miraculously turned into wine at a wedding. Jesus instructs everybody to enjoy the fruits of His miracle — even going as far as telling Mary to drink while a pompous angel’s sermon is interrupted by a boisterous drunk.
This is one of 10 scenes in Mistero Buffo (comical mystery), a satirical production performed by the Stellenbosch University drama students.
The script by Nobel laureate Dario Fo, recreates the world of mediaeval theatre — a popular means of expression and communication of its time.
The stories, told through the eyes of everyday people, poke fun at the pomp and ceremony of the Roman Catholic Church.
Director Cornelia Faasen says the show is humurous but not comical. “It is a satire, not a comedy, and is very dry,” she says. “I think it is very humorous but not many people would find it laugh-out-loud funny.”
However, there are serious moments in Mistero Buffo, especially in the last three units. Faasen calls these the passion plays which track Jesus’ last days on earth. Here Mary, in a heart-rending dialogue, begs Jesus to live, as he has not yet given her grandchildren.
Faasen loves Fo’s work for his amazing ability to make accessible characters. “His work deals with popular culture and gives a voice to people who can not speak for themselves. It is also a political piece as it speaks out against the capitalist system in Italy,” she says.
Although it is not anti-spiritualist, Faasen admits that it could possibly offend sensitive viewers, but feels they would find it rewarding.
“Anyone who is interested in theatre of popular culture, the Jesus story and intelligent theatre should watch this production,” she said. –ECN Cuewire