A LITERARY REVIEW ON

‘THE WEDDING STORY’

Benny Mart R. Hiwatig

E3A

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In the past years of the Drama Festival of the Literature Department of De La Salle Lipa, the AB Comm students have mostly dominated the lime light. In this year’s drama fest, I decided to see for myself how these students perform in the field, which one can consider as this group’s forte – an all-out production.

            ‘The Wedding Story’ is a comedy that features a story teller, who in the course of her narration, was constantly interrupted by the comments and interjections of the characters in her story. Their remarks generally imply that fairytales should never conceal the realities of life, take for example, a magical meeting between lovers who ended with an ideal wedding, which usually happens in fairytales. However, as the story teller got annoyed with the insistent interruptions of her characters, she eventually retold the story the way they want it. And so, disappointment and despair dawned upon the characters themselves in realizing how painful it can be to face reality in its whole sense, than being nursed by fantasy and fairy tales.

            With respect to the actors and actresses, they did give justice to their roles. In fact, at the onset, the storyteller has remarkably utilized her voice and gestures to the benefit of getting the audience’s attention, and at the same time, setting the atmosphere for the play. Some people would say that she has been over-acting, but I say these people don’t exactly know that exaggeration is a vital component of comedy and that, overacting obviously did some help in inciting a riot of laughter among the audience. As for the two other actors – the bride and the groom, they also did a great job in assuming their roles and they have been consistent with their characters, especially the groom who consistently nibbles his finger, which duly helped in emphasizing his effeminateness.  I believe that the characters have really internalized before coming on stage because I never noticed a slight inconsistency in their roles. Add to that is their notable enunciation and articulation. As a matter of fact, I am pleasured to hear the English accent of the story teller, as well as the groom’s and the bride’s.

            With regard to the props, the production team has carefully considered which props are to be utilized. It includes the floral arc, the flowers, the white fences, the park bench, and the floral shower – altogether creates the ambience of an ideal fairy tale wedding. In addition, the backdrop too, is well-fitted for the setting. In general, they are functional and well-made and contribute to the production.

            As for the costume, I really can’t say nothing but perfect. The groom’s tux is sleek, the storyteller’s costume is ordinary but well-fitted, and the bride in her wedding dress is very endearing. In addition, the characters did not just put on these costumes but utilize them in their own advantage, especially the bride who sways her gown whenever she moves, making her appear graceful and elegant.

            With the lighting, though it was used effectively throughout the play like for example, the flashes when the bride and the storyteller gasp (which are in sync and create a pleasing effect), it still seem that they could have done better. One justification could be that they are limited by the venue. Nevertheless, knowing that these are AB Comm students, given enough resources, they could have trumped their performance.

            Of course, having discussed the props, lights, and all, another interesting element to look into is the sounds. In fairness to the group, they really know what sound effects would be attention-grabbing and at the same time, appropriate to the scene. It includes the Spartans hooting, the sound of horses galloping while the groom actuates as if he’s horse riding, the sound of cicadas which signals passage of time, the engine noise of airplane whenever flight to LAX is mentioned, applause, etc.

            Generally, as a viewer, I can say that there is unity among all the elements of this play and they all contribute to the smooth flow of the act. The director seemed to have done a good work at coordinating all the elements and in making sure that everything is utilized efficiently and effectively.

            However, there still are some issues surfacing that the expectation of the audience and the judges from the drama fest are mainly the hardcore, tear-shedding ones which may include a little of comedy but not totally. That is why some would comment that the play has been full of exaggerations, without being aware that it is a comedy, per se, and farce and exaggeration are a vital part. All the same, the group may also consider what is of expected of their performance next time.

            Nevertheless, the play, in toto, was excellently staged by talented students, who, evidently, put so much effort on their work and were creative enough to be lined with other professional productions. Furthermore, given enough resources and opportunities, all of these productions can still be better and of higher quality which will truly encompass the ten years of excellence and talent of the Drama Festival of the Literature Department. Kudos! 

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