Adaptation of epic poem is a hit for Synetic Theater
By: Doug Krentzlin
October 1, 2008
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Irina Tsikurishvili, as Aghaza, and Armand Sindoni, as Mullah, star in Synetic Theatre's "Host and Guest." -- Courtesy Photo
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ARLINGTON — Artists often do some of their best work when responding to a personal crisis through their art. So is the case with Synetic Theater’s current restaging of one of its most acclaimed works, “Host and Guest,” adapted by Roland L. Reed from the epic Georgian poem by Vazha Pshavela.
Synetic had originally planned to open its season with a stage version of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” but because many members of the troupe, including co-founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, are emigrants from the Republic of Georgia, it was decided that “Host and Guest,” a parable about ethnic conflict in the region, would be a more appropriate response to the recent Russian invasion.
“Host and Guest” begins with a chance encounter in the forests of the Caucasus Mountains between Joqola (Dan Istrate) of the Muslim Kisti tribe and Zviadauri (Ben Cunis) of the Christian Khevsuri tribe. Not recognizing Zviadauri, Joqola invites him to have dinner and spend the night at his house.
When Zviadauri’s true identity is revealed by village elder Musa (Iraki Kavsadze), Joqola refuses to violate the long-standing tradition of providing hospitality and protection to a guest. The Kistis break into Joqola’s house, assault him and his wife Aghaza (Irina Tsikurishvili) and kidnap Zviadauri, setting into motion yet another cycle of violence and retaliation.
The stark simplicity of the story unleashes director Paata Tsikurishvili’s mastery of complex, cinematic imagery, aided immeasurably by Irina Tsikurishvili’s stunningly fluid choreography, Andrew F. Griffin’s chiaroscuro lighting designs and Konstantine Lortkipanidze’s haunting original music score.
The acting is equally intense and memorable, especially the performances by company regulars Istrate, Cunis and Tsikurishvili. Typical for Synetic, the dancing and stage combat are so breathtakingly exhilarating that the audience practically works up a sweat just watching them.
With its new production of “Host and Guest,” Synetic has once again conjured up a unique theatrical presentation that is unlike anything else playing on local stages. To use an old cliché, when the Tsikurishvilis created Synetic Theater, they threw away the mold.
If you go
Synetic Theater’s production of “Host and Guest” runs through Nov. 9
Venue: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington
Performances: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $15 to $40
More info: 800-494-8497; www.synetictheater.org
