The Illusion was written by visiting playwright Tony Kushner
Every year, the Arts Center hosts three main stage productions in the fall, winter, and spring terms. This trimester was no different. From Thursday, November 2 through Saturday, November 4, the arts center was packed with audiences coming to see The Illusion. This term, people were able to see the familiar faces of Christine Mason ’19, Nils Lovegren ’18, Avery Lutter ’18, Adedamola Adeyemi ’18, Ethan Luk ’20, and many more grace the Paul Mellon Art Center stage. This production has been in the works since the opening of the school year and did not disappoint.
The Illusion was written by Tony Kushner. It was freely adapted from the French play L’Illusion Comique, which was written by Pierre Corneille in 1636. Mr. Kushner, himself, calls The Illusion a “love story for theatre.”
Ms. Kate Doak directed this fall’s play. Ms. Doak has been a fan of Mr. Kushner and was eager to work on this production. She said, “I love theater, and I think this play exemplifies what it means to be in the dramatic arts. It makes you think about the realities and the illusions in our own lives. I hope people think about the illusions that we create in our own lives.” She joked, “I just want people to come! It is going to be a funny play. Bring your friends!”
The cast was full of talent and energy, boasting both familiar and new faces never seen on the Choate stage. While casting, Doak looked for specific qualities. She says, “I look for freshness. I try to find the student that has the right energy for the part. Because some characters were comedic and some were intense, I tried to find someone who has a natural inclination towards one or the other.” One of the characters who had a more serious side was Pridamant of Avignon, played by Mason. Mason said about her character, “My character was originally the male lead, so I was a little confused when I saw the cast list. I felt a little awkward in the role, but we decided to make the character a woman. Because why can’t a female character convey the same complex feelings like a male lead can?” She added, “I was a little hesitant when I found out it was a comedy. But I think the play has the balance of comedy and tragedy, which is the best for a theater production, because life has a mixture of both.”
Liam Podos ’20 took on the role of Matamore, who was arguably the most comedic character, charming the audience with his wit and brilliant catchphrases. Podos said, “I think Tony Kushner really pulled out the stops on my character. Matamore is a lunatic of a Frenchman. He just spews egotistical insults. But his dialogue and nonsense just make him a joy to watch unfold.” He added, “I am just excited to get on stage and entertain.” Lutter, whose character was the elegant Isabelle, added, “I think the show just keeps you guessing until the very end. All the characters have various sides to them, there is a three-dimensionality that makes the play more interesting to watch.”
The Illusion was one of Choate’s most comedic plays, even featuring a guest performance from Dr. Curtis. Cutting through the laughter was a message of love, emotion, and life. Ms. Kalya Yannatos, Director of the Arts, remarked, “I think that the play, as comedic as it is, will make each audience member think. It’s really the product of Kate Doak and all the students’ hard work.” The Illusion was a big hit among students, parents, and faculty and brought a new perspective on life and reality, while still maintaining its comedic roots.
