I posted about a play coming to my neck of the woods, “Wittenberg,” about that academic community that included–if you extend membership to characters from the Great Books–Dr. Luther, Dr. Faustus, and that indecisive undergraduate Hamlet. We were discussing it in the comments and who should show up in the comments but the playwright, David Davolos! I continue to be gobsmacked by the people who show up on this blog.
He provided a link to the
Philadelphia production. Here are snippets from the reviews that make me want to see the play even more (Wood plays Luther, and Greer plays Faustus):
“Finally – a decent Protestant Reformation comedy! [David] Davalos’ wordplay, plus his riffs on religion vs. philosophy, made me hanker for a script. The dialogue sometimes flies by, given director J. R. Sullivan’s effective lickety-split pacing in several scenes, and it’s obvious that Wittenberg would be as much fun to read as this production is to see.” –Philadelphia Inquirer [Review]
“If you’re looking for something different, I strongly recommend this comedy. Who would have thought Wittenberg could find laughter in the Protestant Reformation? The cast couldn’t be better.” –KYW Newsradio
“Brilliant! Smart, funny, wise and accessible, the theatrical equivalent of a jam session. The Arden’s production is about as good as it gets. Greg Wood is occasionally angry and always searching and Scott Greer captures both Faustus’ hedonistic and philosophical sides. Wood and Greer are two of Philadelphia’s best actors. Get thee to Wittenberg.” –Chestnut Hill Local
“Rarely has the perennial debate on faith versus reason been so much fun. Greg Wood creates a likeable and sympathetic character, admirably conveying the humanity of this man of God.” –The Evening Bulletin
“Everything that shapes our lives today all stems from the central conflict between faith and science that launched the Protestant Reformation… a pair of acting tour-de-forces add vigor and humor. Both actors keep the play intriguing… Wood’s muted comedy in his fiery natures vs. Greer’s animal exuberance throughout adds a wondefurlly enjoyable layer of depth.” –EDGE Philadelphia
Now I’ve really got to see it! (On May 22, it will open in Baltimore.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the mojo, Gene — I hope you enjoy the show!
Is that Luther on the left? That's one skinny Luther, no?
Marty didn't pack on the pounds until later in his life — as a monk c. 1517, he was a pretty rigid ascetic: http://chaosandoldnight.files.wordpress.com/2006/...
Luther was indeed a severe ascetic as a monk. He claimed later that this asceticism caused many physical problems and would shorten his life, which it probably did, as he died at age sixty-two.
Mr. Davalos, though plays are best seen, has the play been published anywhere?
"Everything that shapes our lives today all stems from the central conflict between faith and science that launched the Protestant Reformation…"
…?
Yes, Kelly. I saw that too and wondered just as much.