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The White Devil |
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Written by John Webster |
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| Performed at American Repertory Theater of WNY | ||
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David Wysocki Stephanie Bax |
Ian Michalski Justin Pope |
Camillia Maxwell Steven Maiseke |
| Connor Snodgrass | ||
| __________ | ||
| "White Devil" is in public domain. Any duplication of this adaptation without expressed permission of both the playwrights, and American Repertory Theater of WNY is strictly prohibited. American Repertory Theater of WNY encourages photography & video during the production but requests individuals to be mindful of other patrons, no flash is allowed, and to adequately tag American Repertory Theater of WNY, the production and actors in each photography. | ||
| __________ | ||
| Trigger Warnings | ||
| Use of a Weapons/Sexual Situations/Violent Acts/ Simulated Use of Alcohol | ||
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CHARACTERS
MONTICELSO: A Cardinal; afterwards The Pope
FRANCISCO: Duke of Florence, Brother to ISABELLA
BRACHIANO: Duke, Husband to ISABELLA, and in love with VITTORIA.
GIOVANNI: Son by ISABELLA & BRACHIANO
ISABELLA: Sister to FRANCISCO, and Wife to BRACHIANO.
LODOVICO: Once a nobleman, but now banished for murder.
ANTONELLI: Friend of LODOVICO
VITTORIA: first married to CAMILLO, afterwards to BRACHIANO.
CAMILLO: Husband to VITTORIA.
FLAMINEO: Brother to VITTORIA; Secretary to BRACHIANO.
CORNELIA: Mother to VITTORIA, and FLAMINEO
SETTING
1950'S ITALY - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
ACT ONE SYNOPSIS
ACT 1 - SCENE 1
Lodovico laments his banishment to Antonelli. He is greeted by his beloved Isabella, who is on her way to Rome to be reunited with her husband Brachiano. They have a deep affection for one another; however, due to the exiled status they cannot pursue their affections.
ACT 1 - SCENE 2
After a brief encounter during a church service, Flamineo and Duke discuss further meeting arrangements between the former's sister Vittoria but find an obstacle in the form of her husband, Camillo, preventing this "hookup". Camillo, unable to have sex with his wife, meets with Flamineo to help his "drought". Flamineo obliges and persuades his sister to perform her wifely duties with her husband. She prentensly agrees to sleeping with Camille, and Flamineo adds to this promise only if Camillo stays in his chamber, under lock and key, until she arrives. Once Flamineo gets Camillo out of the way, he makes arrangements for Vittoria and Brachiano to meet up. Both meet up and soon begin to develop deeper affections for one another despite the arrangement only being a brief encounter. Under the watchful eye of her mother, Cornelia, and Flamineo (hiding nearby), the two profess a deeper affection for one another that soon becomes a protest by Cornelia. She claims that Brachiano is simply using her daughter for sex and his words are all pretenses. Enraged, Brachiano chastises Cornelia and storms off, leaving Flamineo's plan in shambles. Flamieno resets.
Act 1 - SCENE 3
Days later, Isabella is now in Rome with her son, Giovanni. She is greeted by her brother, Franscico, to his surprise learns she has not seen her husband, Brachiano, since her return. Enraged by the knowledge that this behavior is because of Brachiano's affair with Vittoria, he must conduct a sit-down with the Duke, and Cardinal Monticelso to discuss matters of the Kingdom. This discussion turns ugly as the matter of Vittoria is brought into the conversation. After, Brachiano reunites with Isabella in which she confronts the Duke on his infidelity. After she leaves the room in ashes, Brachiano attempts to make amends with her but the result is meet with resistance but eventual acceptance. Flamino pounces on the opportunity to gain favor of the Duke by promising him that all obsticules will be removed. Later that evening, Francisco and Monticelso send the cuckhold Camillo on a military mission to remove him from Rome, so he cannot perform his duties. At scene’s end, we see Vittoria look for forgiveness in her actions as she fully commits to her love of the Duke.
Act 1 - SCENE 4
That same evening, Flamineo's plot thickens as Isabella is poisoned by a maid, and he strangles Camillo to death. The deed is confirmed, and payment is received from the Duke as he now can freely engage with Vittoria. At the same time of this meeting, Vittoria stumbles across the dead body of her husband and is falsely accused of the crime.
Act 1 - Scene 5
The next day as Vittoria is put on trail for the murder of her husband, Monticelso berates her for being a whore in which she vehemently denies the allegations, and professes her innocents. The Duke is pressed into testifying on behalf of her, but fails to claim her innocent of the crime and leaves the proceedings insulted by the Cardinal. Francisco pursades the Cardinal to drop the murder charge but to now charge her with adultery. Monticelso relents and finding her guilty of adultery sends her to a house of convertites. Vittoria does not go peacefully but is apprehended and taken there. The scene ends with Giovanni and Francisco learning then mourning the death of Isabella. Francisco begins to realize the Duke may have been responsible for his sister's demise.
INTERMISSION
Act 2 - Scene 1
A proud Flamineo reflects upon his well-executed plan to eliminate those who stood in the way of his sister and the Duke's union which has financially benefited him and his family. He spies the banished Lodovico and confronts him with the news about Isabella's passing. Their discussion is interrupted when the Pope, upon his deathbed, lifts the creed of banishment from Lodovico with full pardon. He turns on Flamineo as his distain for Vittoria and her involvement with the Duke is shown now that he free to speak his mind. He leaves with the beginnings of revenge for the death of Isabella.
Act 2 - Scene 2
In a confessional with Monticelso, Francisco begins his plot of revenge against Brachiano by enlisting the aid of the Cardinal. He is firmly resolved in his plan when he visited by the ghost of Isabella. He writes a contrived letter that finds its way to Flamineo that launches his revenge plan into action.
Act 2 - Scene 3
Flamineo shares the feigned letter with Brachiano and, enraged, the Duke is taken to where Vittoria is housed. He accuses her of cheating on him as she vehemently denies the letter's content. Once seeing her innocents, he apologizes to her, and professing his true love, asks her to become his wife.
Act 2 - Scene 4
Upon learning the news from the newly elected Pope Monticelso that the Duke and his bride have fled Rome, he excommunicates the couple to the delight of Francisco, Lodovico (who now has joined forces with the former) and Antonelli. Lodovico professes this to the Pope and asks for forgiveness for his upcoming actions. The plot to kill Brachiano and Vittora is launched. The scene ends with the Pope recognizing that he is the insider to all the nefarious plots ahead making him the unseen top Boss.
Act 2 - Scene 5
Enlisting both Lodovico and Antonelli, Francisco is disguised as an ally in the upcoming conflict between the two houses. They fool both the Duke and Flamineo and are part of the wedding celebration at the estate. As the wedding is held, the trio conspire to slip deadly poison into Brachiano's wine. After a celebratory wedding dance, the Duke toasts the happy couple and is instantly killed by the poisoned wine. After pandemonium ensues and the party departs, Francisco and Flamineo reflect upon the Duke as the latter understands his alliance has to be switched and sides with the former in the distain of the Duke. At scene’s The Duke rises from the dead and sees the ghost of Isabella. He is granted forgiveness by her, and they rest in peace together.
Act 2 - Scene 6
A drunken Flamineo stumbles upon a fleeing Vittoria and presses her for his share of the Duke's fortune. She fends him off by promising him the wealth but questions his motives in all this. Infuriated by her words, Flamineo attacks her. They struggle which ends in the unfortunate demise of him. About to kill herself over all the misery, she is then confronted by Lodovico. Able to get his revenge, he attempts to kill her but is stopped by Giovanni's entrance. He is wrongly accused of the murder of Flamineo, and taken away despite his protest. Giovanni, in an act of forgiveness, reaches out and takes Vittoria's hand. All is forgiven.
Director's Notes
Director Note
I am excited to present this wonderful work to the Buffalo Community. I began reading this script when studying abroad in London. I found it gritty, raw and found it enlightening that there were strong roles for females.The ability to present this community with heightened text that isn't from Shakespeare is exciting. It is an honor to allow the audience to breathe in words and ideas written by the great John Webster, during the Jacobean Revenge Tragedy age, while also keeping the creative nuances that the American Repertory Theatre has been producing for years. Arianna and I had a thrilling time refashioning some of John Webster's 5 act play into an under two hour production. Faith is a trickey idea. We don't always agree with how faith is taught or expressed, but I believe it is something most people turn to in times of joy, sadness and desperation. People celebrate all different sorts of faith and sometimes don't believe in faith at all. We all endure obstacles, some self-inflicted and others appear as a test of fate and circumstance. We all sin or make grave mistakes and missteps in this life. I would love for the audience to pay close attention to the battle of revenge versus morality that the characters have with one another and their own selves. Take a moment to look into their lives and reflect on the idea, will revenge and selfishness outweigh what is right and just in your life. Thank you for joining us for this experience and enjoy the show.
-The White Devil Director, Charles McGregor
Production Notes
“If you want more people to come to the theatre, don't put the prices at £50. You have to make theatre inclusive, and at the moment the prices are exclusive. Putting TV stars in plays just to get people in is wrong. You have to have the right people in the right parts. Stunt casting and being gimmicky does the theatre a great disservice. You have to lure people by getting them excited about a theatrical experience.” ― Catherine Tate
In the past 16 seasons, this is American Repertory Theater of WNY's business strategy that cross-pollenates the company's artistic vision.
As is the case with the previous seasons, American Repertory Theater of WNY finishes another season featuring original works by 716 playwrights. Although highlighting regional works is a challenging season endeavor, the creative rewards is enriching for the company.
But the struggle will continue to bring original works to the stage. Challenges include the creative stigma associated with new works, perceptions that it's a "deranged" idea producing original works in a complete season, patron uncomfortably with unfamiliar plays, and lack of interest in theater unless it's "gimmick theater" or "Hello Dolly". Whichever it may be, the fight is real and continuing.
However, ART/WNY will remain steadfast in premiering local playwrights and giving opportunities to those who may not find them at other Buffalo-based theaters. Because, as the company's mission statement and artistic vision maintains, in presenting works, diversity is the main goal. Not only with presentation, but with the audience base. This is achieved by affordable tickets that allows all community members to attend all ART/WNY shows.
ART/WNY invites you to become part of a growing commitment to theater that serves a purpose. A purpose that is solely based on poignant, compelling, and diverse narratives. Proactive theater that opens community dialog. Despite opinion, this isn't deranged, unorthodox or poor business decisions. This is what will keep theater going through the digital age, Netflix narratives, and presentations relying on drunk actors or dusty ol' chestnut crowd pleasers.
American Repertory Theater of WNY invites you to be part of this honest movement. Please join us through Facebook, Instagram, or visiting the company's website.
Love the 716 in You!
SHARING THE SHOW
Due to the lack of media coverage for Buffalo-based theater companies, American Repertory Theater of WNY encourages those who liked the production to write a three or four sentence "review" of the show. The company also encourages to take in-production photographs (without the flash and disturbing fellow goers).
Please post your review and photos on social media then tag American Repertory Theater of WNY, so that the company can also use your input for promoting the production.
Thank you for your patronage and effort in making Buffalo theater a strength of this community.
Cast
Creative Team
Charles McGregor
Arianna Lasting
Monica Morrisey
Matthew LaChiusa
Rebecca Mutchock
Lex Miller
Meet the Company
Heather Casseri
Heather Casseri is thrilled to be returning to the American Repertory Theatre stage, having previously appeared as Mag Wildwood in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Favorite credits include Reefer Madness (Sally) and Sunset Boulevard (Betty) at O'Connell & Company, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sally) at Theatre of Youth, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive) at Lockport Palace Theatre, Rent (Maureen) with Bellissima Productions and As You Like It (Audrey) at Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Heather has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University. She thanks her family and friends for their love and support. To see what she is up to next, check out her website: www.heathercasseri.weebly.com.
Steven Maiseke
Steven is a passionate actor, writer and singer based in Buffalo, NY. He has worked with various local theater companies including but not limited to First Look Buffalo, Starring Buffalo and Drunk Theatre buffalo. He has also done film, commercial and voiceover work. Steven looks forward to continuing his journey in the world of theater and sharing the love of stage performance with audiences.
Justin Pope
Justin Pope is absolutely giddy, as usual, to be a part of this ART production! He holds a B.F.A in Theatre Performance with a focus in Playwriting from Niagara University, and you could have recently seen him performing in past ART shows such as Something Wicked (Israel Thayer), Mercy Seat (Steve), and London Calling (Radio Announcer/Soldier), as well as in the recent One Man, Two Guvnors (Francis Henshall) with the Aurora Players. Justin loves to spend his time writing plays, playing video games, and pondering what it means to exist. If you would like to see the kinds of scripts he's written, you can either check him out on New Play Exchange, or send him any kind of message at theatremyriad@gmail.com. Enjoy the show, you devils!
Johnny Barden
Johnny Barden is thrilled to be making his debut with American Repertory Theatre. Recent credits include Sweat (Jason), Tribes (Daniel), The Undeniable Sound of Right Now (Nash) and Superior Donuts (Kevin) at Road Less Traveled; Sive (Carthalone) and The Onion Game (Ogie) at Irish Classical Theater. He has a degree in theater performance from Niagara University. Johnny would like to thank his friends and his family for their undying support.
Andrew Zuccari
Stephanie Bax
Stephanie is happy to be back with ART after having finished a successful run of London Calling there! Ms. Bax graduated from NCCC with a degree in Fine Arts and from Niagara University where she graduated cum laude with her Bachelor degree in Musical Theatre. Ms. Bax was nominated for an Artie Award for her portrayal of Shayla in Killer Joe with ART and holds an Artie for her portrayal of Cutter in Hell Hole Honeys produced by The,Alleyway Theatre. She would like to thank Charlie and Arie for their fine directorial skills, Matt for all he does and her husband Rob for his support and for taking care of their furchild Deuce.
Camilla Maxwell
Camilla J. Maxwell is an Australian creative who found her way to Buffalo via Brooklyn. She holds a Bachelor of Media (Writing Stage/Screen) from Macquarie University in Sydney and is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York City. Maxwell is a resident artist and former board member with Mind The Gap Theatre Company (Manhattan). She has been in numerous theatrical productions and television and print commercials worldwide, and is also an internationally published and award-winning playwright and screenwriter.
National and international commercials include Wendy’s, First Response, National Geographic’s Human Footprint and the Australian Government. She was also the face of Coppertone Sunscreen in Japan. Currently Ms. Maxwell is a participant in the Australians in Film "Untapped Talent" program (Hollywood).
Recently she was onstage locally in Buffalo for THE BUFFALO QUICKIES at the Alleyway Theatre with the ever talented directors Kate Powers and Richard Satterwhite. Camilla is excited to be treading the boards at A.R.T. for the first time and is loving the cast and the amazing co-directors Charles McGregor and Arianna Lasting … Go Bills.
David Wysocki
David is an Actor living in Buffalo, NY. Returning to ART this season, having previously performed in The Birth of Santa and Something Wicked. He worked peformed for various theater companies including Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Irish Classical Theatre, Theatre of Youth, Jewish Repertory Theatre, Alleyway Theatre , & O'Connell & Company. A proud graduate of Niagara University with a B.F.A in Theatre Performance. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and support. Especially to Charlie and Arianna for this indelible experience.
Ian Michalski
Ian has previously appeared on stage at ART in last Decembers production of When Worlds Collide(Bob Cratchit). He has also appeared with ART in Birth of Santa (Little Drummer Boy) Mercy Seat (Dusty) Fall from Grace of God (Petey) and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Henry Clay). Other favorite roles include Man of LaMancha (Sancho) You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie) and Buloxi Blues (Epstein). Ian thanks his family and friends for their unwavering support. He dedicates this performance to the memory of his foster mother Lois Churchwell.
Connor Snodgrass
Charles McGregor
Charles McGregor is a Buffalo based actor with a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University. This is Charles' directorial debut at ART of WNY. Charles has toured the U.S.A and Canada with Missoula Children's Theatre as a director and actor. He is a teaching artist and director with Unique Theatre. You will see him next in Starring Buffalo's Production of Titanic the Musical at the end of May 24'. Other Buffalo Credits include Something Wicked, The Paradigm Bomb, Rust and Redemption (ART of WNY), The Inspector (Desiderio's Dinner Theatre), Drunk Wizard of OZ (Drunk Theatre Buffalo), The Secret Garden (Second Generation), Secret Soldiers, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Theatre of Youth), Small Mouth Sounds (Bellissima Productions). Charles would like to thank Arianna for her support, creativity, strength and love during this process. A big thank you to Lex and Matt for all of their work. Love to Kayla as always.
Arianna Lasting
Monica Morrisey
Matthew LaChiusa
Matthew is the tech director for American Repertory Theater of WNY, his design credit span over 16-seasons with favorite sets including "American Idiot", "Kindness of Strangers", "The Paradigm Bomb", and "Something Wicked". Lighting design favorites include "Mercy Seat", "Something Wicked", and "When Worlds Collide". When not on the technical end of productions, Matthew operates as the Executive/Artistic Director for ART/WNY. He thanks all those, past & present, for their outstanding efforts in keeping this theater thriving against all odds.
Rebecca Mutchock
Lex Miller
Multimedia
THAT'S A WRAP!
American Repertory Theater of WNY concludes the 2023-24 season with the closing night of "The White Devil". The company is proud of all the efforts by the multiple cast-members, directors, designers, and, most importantly, YOU the audience member. Because without your support throughout the season, this plucky, blue-collar company couldn't make it. YOU are the grassroots support that enables theater to continue on this stage. Thank you, time and time, again for your continuing support of American Repertory Theater of WNY.
American Repertory Theater of WNY intends to be back in 2024-25 with once again a diverse program of original works. We hope to see you next Fall.
THANK YOU!
ART/WNY SPECIAL THANKS
American Repertory Theater of WNY would like to thank the following for their assistance in this production:
John F Kennedy; Monica Morrissy: Lex Williams, Joy Mutchock, Rebecca Mutchock, The Spotted Octopus, Lex Williams, Umar Azam, Monish Bhattacharyya, Lanie Shannon, and all those who contributed their time and resources in the past & present to help continue to keep ART/WNY a viable alternative theater for the region.
2023 - 2024 Board of Directors
Suzanne Hibbard (Board President), Beth Geyer (Secretary), Mark Humphrey, Michael Breen, Robert Insana (Vice President) Matthew LaChiusa (Treasurer), Susan King, Catherine Burkhart (Board Advisor)
American Repertory Theater of WNY seeks individuals who want to see this company continue to grow and move forward. Please contact Matthew LaChiusa at 716-697-0837 for more details.
Love the ART in You