MOXIE Theatre and Loud Fridge Join Forces to Co-Produce CLEOPATRA

A World-Premiere Adaptation that Welcomes MOXIE's 20th Anniversary 

A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Joy Yvonne Jones. Photo Daren Scott

MOXIE Theatre's celebratory 20th anniversary season is opening with an adaptation of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra co-produced by Loud Fridge Theatre Company. Joy Yvonne Jones assumed the titanic effort of adapting the piece and is also starring as Cleopatra in this one-person show, dialogue-wise, as Jones is accompanied almost the whole 180 minutes by Kayla Adorno who plays Charmian, one of Cleopatra's servants in a silent role. 

Directed by Andréa Agosto, the production plays with projections courtesy of  Michael Wogulis and filmed clips by Laura Skokan that interact with the actress. The clips show DeAndre Simmons as Antony, the Roman ruler who is captivated by Cleopatra, and there are vignettes with Joy that run during wardrobe and scene changes. Regarding wardrobe, costume consultant Zoë Trautmann brought a solid number of outfits ranging from white to black gowns, a beautiful orange dress, and a blue satin nightgown, accentuating the lead role and complimenting it properly. 

Durwood Murray does voice-over narrations and Kailey Agpaoa voices Calpurnia, one of Caesar's wives and archenemy to Cleopatra by default. Agosto threads all these elements to sync accordingly and go on in a smooth matter having beautiful, aesthetic scenes guided by Robert (Robbie) Malave's technical direction along with Sammy Webster's lighting design that, -very Cleopatra-, uses golden and amber tones as a base. As the piece evolves, the lighting plays with other solid tones like aqua, pink, and green. Shadows also recreate the scenes contouring the Queen of Egypt's appeal. Eleanor Williams's scenic design is almost ethereal and it does bring an earthy, dessert-like vibe that even seems blurry at times with two beds, cushions on the floor, and see-through light curtains, accentuated by Finn Foster's props that include a lovely pitcher and glass set, scrolls, wicker baskets, amongst other cute things. Estefania Ricalde understood the assignment and had everything sounding like it should while landing this show's calm, solemn theme. 

Joy Yvonne Jones and Kayla Adorno. Photo Daren Scott

Joy Yvonne Jones proves once again the high-calibered trained artist she is and like Cleopatra, is also beautiful and ethereal. Parallel to the projections and the live acting, there are interactions with five audience members who serve as messengers and deliver a couple of lines. Jones's interactions are well done and sometimes, she found moments to make them playful, which was well received by the audience. The lines were well performed and promptly. 

Joy's make-up is fitting with the signature cat-eye and glitter. There is a scene with water and a towel that might signify, letting go, and tiredness, performed splendidly. Kayla Adorno does not talk but she indeed communicates with precise expressions and fun looks toward the audience and Jones, not only doing a great job, but also being a great scene partner which is not an easy task.

The creative approach to this adaptation is fresh and aesthetic with a combination of elements that come into place and do not seem forced or over the top. Although these elements make the piece original with the projections and the filmed content as well as the audience interactions, the rhythm at times becomes slow and somewhat lethargic. Something normal in new pieces like this one that are playing with a lot.

Possibly, performance after performance, the rhythm might tighten up and get to the groove that it needs to. 

Go and check it out for yourself. This world premiere is currently playing until September 7. MOXIE has accessible prices. For all the information click HERE.