OLD CLOWN WANTED

Reviewed by Neal Weaver
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble
Through November 4

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Romanian-French experimental playwright Matei Visniec began his prolific writing career in Bucharest, but because of the strict censorship at the time, none of his plays could be produced. He sought political asylum in France and began writing in French. Soon his works were being mounted all over Europe, though he has remained relatively unknown in the U.S. The Odyssey Theatre is bringing one of these works to light with its West Coast premiere of OLD CLOWN WANTED, in a new adaptation by Jeremy Lawrence.

Visniec is something of an absurdist, though he has written in many genres. Here, partially inspired by Fellini’s film The Clowns, he has written a play that tackles the problems of old age. But he alleviates the grimness of the subject by casting it as a clown show.

Three elderly unemployed and down-and-out clowns have answered a classified ad that proclaims “Old Clown Wanted:” lanky, balding Niccolo (Alan Abelew), portly and bearded Filippo (Jose A. Garcia), and feisty female clown Peppina (Beth Hogan). All three have turned up in their motley attire for the audition, determined to get the job. They soon realize that they know each other and have worked together in the distant past. They have a joyous reunion, but soon the spirit of competition takes over, and each employs all his/her ingenuity to discourage, drive away or outwit their rivals. But though their situation may be desperate, they are nonetheless clowns; their ploys and maneuvers smack of the circus, with songs, dances, pantomimes, magic tricks, slapstick comedy (with a real slapstick), balloons and comic chases.

Under the meticulous guidance of Romanian director Florizel Fatulescu, all three actors perform with exuberance, abandon and skill. (John Achorn is credited as clowning consultant.) Amanda Martin created the colorful and eccentric clown costumes, Jeff Rack designed the set, Bosco Flanagan provided the lighting, and John Zalewski designed the sound. Josh La Cour created the props, which presumably include the mysterious black box that spits out lots of balloons.

Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 3 & 24, 8 p.m.; Thurs., Nov. 1 only, 8 p.m.; through Nov. 4. (310) 477-2055, x.2 or www.OdysseyTheatre.com. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.