By Iman Bakhit
Staff Writer
The Getty Villa’s “Haunted House Party”, an adaptation of “Mostellaria” by Plautus, was supposed to take on a sophisticated Roman comedy, but failed to do so when modern-day references took over the script, completely abandoning its roots and overall meaning.
The Getty Villa official website.
The “Haunted House Party” was only able to provoke muffled laughter, as the whole play was butchered to a disappointing extent. Although the acting and the set of the play was pleasant, the overwhelming sexual references, incoherent plot line and the gratuitous soundtrack made it almost painful to sit through.
“Haunted House Party” is an adaptation of Plautus’ “Mostellaria”, a classic Roman comedy. Philolaches, portrayed by Nicholas Cutro, parties his life away with women, alcohol and drugs, not knowing that soon his father, Theopropides, is to return from his business trip sooner than expected.
Haunted House Party, explained.
With his house completely trashed, and all his money spent on buying a slave-girl’s freedom, Philolaches entrusts his slave, Tranio, portrayed by Matt Walker, to asses the situation. Throughout the play, Tranio is forced to either profusely lie in order to please Philolaches or suffer from an unruly death.
Although the play reached out to all ages, the audience mainly consisted of an older age group due to the Getty Villa primarily focusing on cultured and elegant plays that the elderly normally enjoys. However, the maturity of the play was fit for that of a preteen, anything but polished.
The audience was subjected to explicit humor including as inappropriate props and language. The awkwardness of the atmosphere and lack of response from the audience made it agonizing to sit through – especially around the company of family. Cringe worthy punchlines and hypersexualization made it all the more awkward as the audience gawked in reaction.
The play ultimately confused its audience with its many random appearances and soundtrack, making an incoherent plot line. There were many needless pop culture references from 70s and 80s pop music, when the play took place in 200 B.C. The play also relied on West LA landmark jokes, even though “Haunted House Party” is based in the streets of Athens, Greece.
“Haunted House Party” was strenuous to sit through due to the bizarre scenes on stage, lowbrow humor and a cacophony for music scores when all that was asked of was a sophisticated adaptation. Overall, “Haunted House Party” leaves audiences shocked and unsatisfied with what was expected to be a cultured adaptation of the classic.
“Haunted House Party” is playing at the Getty Villa from September 8th to October 1st, Thursdays-Saturdays. Tickets range from $36 to $45.
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