Intuiton's 'Agent' defies bounds

Intuitons defied boundaries of space and time in last night's performance of The Secret Agent. The play was exciting to watch and well acted, but it was a bit confusing to follow for those who had not read the book upon which it is based. College junior Yasmin Tuazon, who directed the play, adapted it from the Joseph Conrad novel of the same name, but while she preserved the plot, she presented scenes out of time sequence. The plot focuses upon the people and events surrounding an early 20th century attempt to blow up the Greenwich Observatory outside of London, introducing the audience to the intriguing and dangerous world of a group of revolutionaries. Murders and deceptions abound. Actions violating ordinary stage conventions frequently occurred, bringing many unexpected twists and humorous events to the predominantly serious and morbid play. Characters involved in acting a scene on part of the stage representing a specific location physically moved furniture from areas representing other places and scenes, where they could not possibly be at the same time. Actors walked among the audience, and the curtain call gave no indication of when the play ended. The performance toyed with many aspects of time. The script presented the scenes in an eclectic order. A light repeatedly flashed on and off and church bells tolled frequently, symbolizing the inevitable passage of time. The stage was surrounded by a web of string which the actors cut apart, possibly representing mortality and the finality which it imposes upon individuals' time. Christopher Campbell, a College senior, was outstanding as the wicked womanizer Ossipon. The part of one of his fellow revolutionaries, the Professor, was well performed by Jeff Ensslen. Jennifer Lieberman, a College of General Studies student and Stephen Houghton, a College freshman, also deserve much credit for their exceptional acting jobs. The Secret Agent is more conventional and perhaps more comprehensible than most plays presented by Intuitons. However, it provides an opportunity to view a stimulating play which is rich in dramatic ingenuity. Performances of The Secret Agent will take place in the Houston Hall Auditorium November 15 and 16 and 21 through 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on Locust Walk, at the Annenberg Box Office and at the door.

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