Life is a Dream Comes to An End

Posted on Wednesday, June 15

Life is a Dream comes to an end
by Benita Zepeda

For those who may have missed out on the Vitalist Theater’s production of Helen Edmundson’s version of Calderon de la Barca’s classic story Life is a Dream, a great opportunity to satisfy an artistic hunger was missed, as this was a great adaptation by director Liz Carlin-Metz.

The production started on May 10 and ended on June 11 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., saw consistent praise from various critics throughout the duration of it’s run, and rightfully so. Not only is the 16th century story beautifully adapted to fit on a modern day stage, it also carries themes of power, self-doubt and humbling realization through hundreds of years to be enjoyed by an audience today. The play also explores the idea that everyone who is alive is dreaming, and tries to explore what the meaning of life is.

When the play started, the audience learns of a man name Segismundo (Paul Dunckle) who is locked away in a tower by the King of Poland, Basilio (Madrid St. Angelo). We quickly learn that the king, although a devoted Catholic man, heavily relies on the ideals of science and astrology, for when his son, Segismundo, was born, there were visions of him turning on his father resulting in an ultimately fatal twist of events. Trusting in his charts, King Basilio made Seguismundo the responsibility of his right-hand-man, Clotaldo (BF Helman).

Teaching Segismundo everything about Catholicism and science, Clotaldo was also responsible for introducing the idea that Seguismundo is the only true blood prince to him. The king decides he wants to reevaluate his decision to keep him locked up, and tries his shot at the throne. If it didn’t work out, his niece and nephew, Estrella (Lyndsay Rose Kane) and Astolfo (Gregory Isaac) would be the future heirs to the kingdom.

Because of this idea of rethinking a previous decision that was so carefully crafted by the king, the play exudes a sense of realism that digs deep at the core of human nature—he is but one, proud man who thinks he may have made a mistake and yearns to correct it.

There was no elaborate set designs to tell this story, and that is exactly how it should have been. Keeping the visuals simple, the costume design and beautifully crafted language carried this show to the highest level of quality.

Even though this plot seems like it is a bit heavy, there are perfect moments of humor sprinkled throughout various lines in the play, which are primarily through the character, Clarion (Ivan Vega). His role as comic relief, in addition to various lines from each character, break up the verse-form language and provide an element that is imperative to help the play not take itself too seriously.

St. Angelo described the cast and overall professionalism to be top-notch. He said he would work with Carlin-Metz anytime because she understands what the actors bring to the table, and in this case, he said she handpicked the cast for Life is a Dream.

Overall, the production of Life is a Dream in conjunction with the stellar cast proved to be one of the top productions to have seen this year. And if you did miss it, perhaps it will come back in the future, as St. Angelo hopes for someday.

“I love the play and I would love to keep doing it,” St. Angleo said. “I never tire of doing it and every time I go out there I thank God that I am allowed to be part of a great story.”