The supposedly sane are actually crazy, absurdity is reality and everything has this pesky little catch attached to it. No, this is not our government's proposed energy policy or the Enron scandal, its Joseph Heller's classic novel, "Catch-22," adapted to the stage by the author himself, performed this month at the Vortex Theatre.
Aaron Worley makes his directorial debut in this fast paced, comical and dramatic satire regarding war, individuals and mortality.
"Hopefully it will make you want to read the book," Worley, a UNM alumnus, said.
"Catch-22" has long been considered one of the premier American novels in many popular genres such as anti-war and satire. The theatrical performance premiered in 1971 and includes virtually all of the novel's themes, motifs and devices. However, the sheer complexity of the novel required Heller to eliminate several characters, a few scenes and most of the book's chronologically choppy form when writing the script.
"The play is much more linear," Worley said.
Despite a seemingly organized order of events, the large cast, composed of 21 actors playing 38 characters, may make the story line a little hard to follow at times. Casting, Worley said, was one of the greatest challenges of directing the performance.
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Miguel Martinez, who plays lead character Captain Yossarian, said he also found the cast size to be a challenge. Martinez, who is also a UNM alumnus, said his interactions with almost all of the play's 37 other characters could occasionally become difficult to keep organized.
Worley collaborated with Sheila Devitt, vice president of the Vortex Theatre board of directors, to construct the utilitarian set. Devitt, yet another UNM alumnus, is quick to give credit to Worley.
"Aaron has done a really great job for a first time director," Devitt said.
Integral components of the set include both center stage and a series of doorways cast members use to enter and exit stage. The set structure helps grease the performance's already quick pace, and aides in maintaining the fluid nature of the play's subject matter.
Heller's dramatization seems to capture the same poignant moments, comical satire and the varied impacts war has on individuals that the novel does.
The observer will lose character description and detail that the reader will gain, but the play is as powerful and entertaining as the novel itself.
Catch-22 has an approximate running time of two hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission between acts.
The show will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through March. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances at 6 p.m. The box office opens half an hour before each show. Tickets are $10 for general and $8 for seniors and students, and Sunday performances are $7 for everyone. For tickets or more information, contact the Vortex Theatre at 247-8600 or visit the box office at 2004 ´ Central Ave. SE.
