The Illinois State University School of Theatre and Dance presents The Liar by David Ives, opening October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Westhoff Theatre. The Liar runs October 5, 6, 9, 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. and October 7 at 2 p.m. David Ives’ spritely adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s classic farce is a bright, modern romp through lies, love, and the ultimately silly lives we live.
In a classic case of comedic miscommunication, The Liar follows Dorante, a charmer who cannot tell the truth, and his servant Cliton, who cannot tell a lie. The scene is 17th century Paris, where these two men are looking for action. With Cliton in tow, Dorante falls madly in love with a woman named Clarice…thinking her name is Lucrece. Our lying hero is unaware that Clarice is already engaged, that the real Lucrece is in love with him, and that twin maids are causing trouble everywhere. Meanwhile, Dorante’s father is trying to marry him off to somebody, ANYBODY. Join us in a riot of rhyme, dance, and the triumph of true love.
“This play is both old and new,” says director Nic McMinn. “The Liar explores just how silly our lives actually are. Its characters can be ridiculous, but everyone can relate to looking for love, trying to dig your way out of a hole after lying, and wanting others to like you. The play is about a bunch of people seeking their joy, and the hilarious and absurd turns their lives take as they search.”
Contemporary playwright David Ives’ spritely adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s classic farce is a bright, modern romp through lies, love, and the ultimately silly lives we live.
Contemporary American playwright David Ives is best known for his collection of one-act comedies, All in the Timing, and more recently, his play Venus In Fur. After Shakespeare’s plays, All in the Timing was the most produced play in the United States during 1995-1996 and Venus in Fur was the most produced play during 2013-2014. Other notable Ives works include the comedies A Flea in Her Ear, The School for Lies, and The Heir Apparent. Ives earned a B.A. from Northwestern University and an M.F.A in playwriting from The Yale School of Drama.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, contact the Center for Performing Arts Box Office on the Illinois State University Campus at (309) 438-2535, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com. Free performance parking is available in the School Street Parking Deck in spots 250 and above, at 400 W. Beaufort Street in Normal.
