Pierre Corneille’s “The Liar” will be brought to life in the UF’s School of Theatre and Dance’s second summer production.
The play, which has been adapted by David Ives, is directed by Judith Williams. Williams, who once served as the artistic director at the School of Theatre and Dance, said the play is meant to recreate the tarnishing of 17th-century Paris during the reign of Louis XIV.
“The play is relevant because lying is a major theme everyone can relate to,” Williams said.
Jake Lesh, who plays Dorante in the production, said this play has been one of the most challenging he’s tackled as an actor.
“There has to be so much truth behind what you are doing,” Lesh said. “To also honor the language — it’s kind of like a juggling act; there are a lot of balls to juggle.”
Lesh, 24, is going for his master’s degree in Fine Arts and said he got the role as a part of his summer requirements. He added that he was fortunate enough to be casted after auditioning. Lesh explained that the period aspect of the play kept him and his fellow cast members on their toes with the desire to stay true to Ives’ adaptation.
Grace Abele plays Clarice in the play. Abele, 30, is no stranger to the stage. “The Liar” will be her fourth time being part of a UF production.
What sets this production apart from the rest? Abele said it involves the ornate costumes.
“I’ve never done a period piece like this before,” Abele said. “The mid-17th-century France with the huge skirts and the huge wigs; they’re not as cumbersome as I thought they’d be.”
Lesh said the complexity of the piece culminating with contemporary references is what individualizes the play.
“It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s smart — there really is not a play like this.”
Shows will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Nadine M. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, located at 687 McCarty Drive. Tickets are $17 for the general public and $13 for students, seniors and UF staff.
Tickets can be purchased at the University Box Office, located at Gate 1 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 352-392-1653. Tickets will also be available 45 minutes before the performance at the Constans Theatre Box Office.
[A version of this story ran on page 12 on 7/9/15]
