Movement and Music Replace Words in THE DUELING GENTLEMEN
The set is packed with objects: cups, clothing, an iron, makeup brushes, a poster, a picture frame… Without words to carry the plot forward, these pieces of a cluttered dressing room take on a heightened importance. In the dressing room scenes, the fourth wall acts as the gentlemen’s mirror. They stare intently out towards the audience as they comb their hair, twist their mustaches, and make funny faces at themselves.
The actor’s movements always match the piano score. When the lighthearted Ugly Blond is running smoothly, both the action and its soundtrack are staccato. When the gentlemen stare moodily into the distance, the music slows down. The pianist’s role is more than that of a typical orchestra-member; at one point the gentlemen even try to pull him into the action of their vaudeville act.
Not The Same As Live Theater
To a viewer who has become accustomed to the National Theatre’s weekly streams, the quality of the video left something to be desired. The camera shook, and the lighting often washed out the actor’s faces, making it difficult to follow the expressions that are oh-so-crucial to wordless theater. That said, the recording did bring attention to details a live audience probably wouldn’t have noticed, like the pianist’s keyboard-patterned suspenders.
As the on-screen audience gave The Dueling Gentlemen a standing ovation, this writer was left missing live theater. While the play was enjoyable over YouTube, those familiar with the typical intimacy of a black box theater may feel acutely aware how much more enjoyable it might have been in person.
If shaky camerawork bugs you, it may be best to wait until you can experience a Silent Theater production in the flesh. Parents should be aware that while the humor is very kid-friendly, the actual storyline has a focus on alcoholism. For everyone else—the next time you’re in the mood for jaunty piano music and physical comedy, try streaming The Dueling Gentlemen.
