University of Texas Austin - Cactus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

Drama department uses metal and plastic in scenery Surrealistic stage sets modernize classic plays byCURTCUKJATI For seven nights starting Sept. 26 at the B. Iden Payne Theatre, the UT Department of Drama transformed the Jacobian period tragedy, " The White Devil, " into a play whose modern ap- peal was achieved through lighting techniques that accentuated the con- temporary costumes, make-up and hairstyles. The White Devil depicted the story of Vittoria (Christi Carafano), a Venetian lady who fell in love with the Duke of Brachiano (David Baker), despite the fact they were both married. Brachiano had the same passion, and thus ar- ranged for the murder of his wife, Isabella, and Vittoria ' s husband. Brachiano ' s brother-in-law, Fran- cisco, defended Vittoria when she was accused of the murders, and conspired with Lodovico to kill Brachiano, whom he believed was responsible for Isabella ' s death. Meanwhile, Flamineo arranged for the wedding of his friend Brachiano, to the widow Vittoria. After the wedding, Lodovico caught Brachiano and murdered him. Brachiano ' s ghost later appeared and coerced his friend Flamineo into a meeting with widow Vittoria. As Vit- toria and her maid met with Flamineo, Lodovico discovered the trio, and left Flamineo and Vittoria to die together. Lodovico, having brutally completed his As Vittoria (Christi Carafano) lies dying, Flamineo (Veryl Hidler) denounces her killer in " The White Devil. " Photos by Alan Smith A ghostly Brachiano (David Baker) persuades Flamineo (Veryl Hidler) to meet with Vittoria (Christi Carafano) in " The White D evil. " The sultry and taunting sphinx, played by Paige Pengra, coyly plots the ruse for her next victim in " The Infernal Machine, " as Anibus (Eric Glenn) quietly listens to her plans. The three-level stage made the actors appear even more godlike on the elevated metal apparatus. 62 Drama