Machiavelli's The Mandrake

University Theatre and director T. Anthony Marotta present a new twist on an old tale of desire and deception:

The play revolves around characters pursuing their desires by any means necessary: Callimaco (played by Drew Atkinson) years for the beautiful Lucrezia (played by Kileigh Adams), a virtuous young woman married to foolish old Calfucci (played by Hannah Klevesahl). Calfucci is desperate for an heir while Lucrezia’s mother, Sostrata (played by Ellen Briggs) is equally desperate to be a grandmother. With the aid of Timoteo the greedy priest (played by Anna Pieri), Calfucci concocts a deception to trick Calfucci into allowing Callimaco to enjoy a tryst with Lucrezia – without her knowledge.

Marotta selected this play not just because it remains extremely entertaining but also because for modern audiences it is raises deeply disturbing and timely issues about sexual power dynamics and consent.  Like many comedies of the past, the story revolves around a man who tries to concoct ways to sleep with a woman without her consent.

So what does Marotta do but cast the entire play with women! Wonderful idea to create an innovative dramatic experience. As a former Franklin College dean was fond of saying, 'we always get the best people.' This production is yet another example of that. Performances began in the Cellar Theatre last night and run though a matinee on Feb. 28. Get your tickets now. Congratulations to our students in the cast and crew. 

Image: Drew Atkinson as Callimaco and Hannah Klevesahl as Calfucci in University Theatre's production of Machiavelli's The Mandrake. Photo by C. Adron Farris III.