UF’s new play, ‘The Man of Mode,’ illuminates excesses of English aristocracy

March 21, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The foibles of English high society are front and center in a new play opening March 30 at the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance.

Set in 17th-century England, George Etherege’s “The Man of Mode,” or, “Sir Fopling Flutter,” is a play about debauchery and sex, with multiple intertwined love stories.

Members of the upper classes flaunt their wealth with extravagant clothes and jewelry and spend their days gossiping and partying until morning, while servants take care of their every whim.

“These were the Paris Hiltons of the time,” said Mikell Pinkney, an associate professor in the School of Theatre and Dance at the College of Fine Arts, who adapted and directed the play.

The performance, which runs March 30 through April 7 in UF’s Constans Theatre, is known as a Restoration comedy. Written and performed in the period when the English monarchy was restored to power, the story reflects the indulgences the rich pursued after the Puritan rule of England ended. Theaters that had been closed for 18 years reopened with the return of the king, and plays of the time used humor to poke fun at the emerging culture.

The play’s plot was more recently brought to the attention of the general public in the 2004 movie “The Libertine,” starring Johnny Depp. Pinkney said his adaptation shortens the play from four hours to two.

“I tried to do away with too much of the floweriness,” Pinkney said.

Karl Wildman, an M.F.A. student, leads the cast of more than 30 actors from School of Theatre and Dance’s acting program.

Reserved tickets for the show are $9 for students, faculty, staff, and senior citizens with a valid ID, and $13 for the general public.

The theater is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. For tickets and information, call the University Box Office at 352-392-1653. Tickets may be reserved online at www.ticketmaster.com.