e., they ou, of g., and say of as re. they ority of w ar gege be but Monday. Februarv 23.1976 5 Impressive performances wasted by undistinguished 'Noah' script By EVIE RAPPORT Co-Entertainment Editor It's always seemed to me that if someone's going to take the time to re-entertain a familiar tale, then that person ought to ask them about their insights, some fresh analysis of that tale. In 1931, Andre Obey, French playwright, rewrite the Biblical tale of Noah and the Ark, giving it what seems to be in the ancient Bible. "Noah," a profoundly pessimistic slant. This time around, Noah's family rejects his leadership and abandons him, his wife goes mad and the affectionate animals he had sheltered through the flood turn on him. The last line of the play—reached finally after three hours—is, “Are you ready?” The summary, as it appears in the movie, is And after all that's happened to Noah in the long months on the cramped ark, it's just too much to believe that those words were written there. It denies the affirmation of the Biblical tale. OBEY GIVES HIS Noah a determined optimistic outlook, a gentle and affectionate personality, a simple and charming trust in God, and William Kuhike fully projects that traits in a performance of masterful completeness. But Kuhike's most moving description is to wash away the despair description of washing the last sand earth slowly being covered with Boodwater, as he watches—unable to save them—from the safety of the ark. Even granting Kuhle's strength as an actor, I don't think this scene could be so powerful unless Obey intended it as a denunciation of Noah's simple, blind faith. The only other firmly drawn character in the play is Noah's second son, Ham, played with misspelled verve by Cliff Rakered. But the audience expects Ham to play's. From scene to scene, we a young man alternately wounded by the seeming cruelty of humanity's destruction, or driven to claustrophobic jitters by the cramped house he lives in, or his stupid father's lack of firm command. IT'S NO WONDER that Rakerd—an able and imaginative actor—acouldn't seem to decide whether his character is jealous of himself, or contemptuous of his simp- times impractical fiefs. Of the principal characters remaining, only that of Mama Naoh makes any impression—and that, again, is a negative one. Barbara Mounsey does her best as the kindly and steadfast wife and mother, but she's burdened by the almost impossible task of suddenly toppling into madness with hardly any warning. One moment, she's happily daring pants in the hold—surrounded by the trio of sisters who will eventually be her daughter-sin-law. A little later, she's bemoaning the loss of her kitchen garden and her pots and pans. Then, suddenly, she's a tragic, stricken figure—a pathetic reproach to her father. She is defenseless victim of this man who, according to Genesis, "found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Much of the confusion of emphasis and tone in this production may have been caused by the play and its translations—apparently two versions were used in rehearsals. But much is caused by the lack of firm director's guidance. Marcia Grund. better than giggling, clumsy adolescents dominated by the strong-willed Ham. Another of those abrupt, unjustified character transitions that dominate this play shows them—in the final scene—to be pragmatic adults who reject the faith of Noah and desert him to begin rebuilding the desolated world. THE ACTION takes place on Jefferson Filser's impressively geometric set, built of pipes and platforms and rising to a striking height. The use of the revolving stage and ceiling allows the lines and design emphasize the set's strong lines and fine use of controlled space. But there simply isn't in the play as written by Andrew Obey to warrant the investments of time and creativity by able designers and an ambitious director. KU theater productions are frequently so well conceived and competently performed that a play's weakness is somewhat concealed. In the case of "Noah," however, the strength of the performances serves only to emphasize a plodding and undistinguished script. It's almost a shame to waste such obvious ability on such disjointed and unsatisfactory attempt to retreat an old tale. University Daily Kansan TONIGHT: The Lawrence FRIENDS OF FARMWORKERS will meet at 7 in the International Room of the Kansas Union. The SUA BRIDGE CLUB will meet from 7 in THE WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS will meet 7 in FLINT. The STUDENT RECTAL SERIES will present a double bass recital at 8 in Swarthout Recital Hall. **TODAY:** A short play — "THE MEME- GERMAN and English at 3:30 in 1967 Wes- tern." who rehearsed her cast using improvisational techniques, has, I think failed to clarify or resolve the inconsistencies of character and theme that muddle the show. THE VALUE OF those improvisational techniques shows most clearly in the performances of nine actors as the animals on the ark—truly impressive displays of imagination and imagination that provide the only really satisfactory characterizations in the play. Part II of a story on college athletics in Friday's Kansas incorrectly identified Jack Scott as former athletic director at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Scott was athletic director at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Correction . . . Events ... Improvisation certainly couldn't do much for the remaining actors—Paul Hough, as Sherm; Gifted Blooth, as Japheth; Victoria and Robert Gwynne; and the sisters who marry the brothers. They are, for most of the show, little review Place a Kansan want ad Call 864-4358 The Association of University Residence Halls is holding its annual election of officers on Thursday, February 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at McColum Hall (cafeteria level). Officers to be elected are: President, Vice President, Assembly Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications Coordinator. Residence hall students interested in information regarding the election may call Harry Wigner at 864-4041 or contact their hall president. NOTICE THE WHOMPER NEEDS MORE NEWSPAPERS! Bring them to the Center at 7th and New or 9 to 3 Sat. Paper may be donated, or we will pay 50* per 100 pounds, if you prefer. Whisper Manager - RUNALD DAILEE For more information call Volunteer Clearinghouse-841-5059 TRAVELERS LIMOUSINE SERVICE Make your complete arrangements at: Make your car PORTS UNLIMITED 841-5900 or TRAVELERS LIMOUSINE SERVICE 841-5905 841-5905 For Airline Tickets & Ground Transportation between Lawrence & Kansas City International travel Airport Reservations Only Ramada Inn, Suite D / Lawrence Jim Strasser Roger Johnson, KLWN advertising salesman, broadcast since Thursday from the front window of the Ed Marling store downtown, Newton said. The radiothon was tied into a state-wide radionuthon to raise money, Bob Newton, KLWN operations manager, said yesterday. Radiothon aids leukemia study The radiothon ended at 6 last night. Pledges of almost $5,000 were received in a four-day trial for leukemia research, patient support and medical training. Our people make it better Offer Good 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Feb. 23-28 Good only at regular price Buy1pizza get1free Order 2 Pizzas and we'll give you one free- Just present this coupon (offer void on deliveries) 1606 West 23rd Lawrence, Kansas 843-3516 804 Iowa St. Lawrence, Kansas 842-1667 932 Massachusetts Lawrence, Kansas 843-7044 Redeemable with coupon only (3) For an interview, see Jim Gromelski at the Engineering Placement Office February 23rd, 24th or 25th. Make your appointment now. Or call collect 816-374-3433. Be someone special. JAYHAWKER TOWERS APTS. You'll spend a year learning the many details of nuclear propulsion plant theory and operation, and then will have the opportunity to put your skill and knowledge to work on one of our fastest and most modern ships. Set your sights high! Go Navy and 2 bedroom apts on KU campus • utilities paid furnished or unfitted • laundry facilities swimming pool • air-conditioned • covered parking on bus line • equipped logistic system room service Now Taking Applications for Fall Office Hours: Till 8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. 10 - 4 Sat. 2 - 5 Sun. Look into our Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program—NUPOC. Lawrence, Kansas 1603 W. 15th LREx Engineering 913-843-4993 ENGINEER YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. If you're an outstanding engineering graduate like Ensign Al Andersen and you want to master the advanced technology of Nuclear Power, you could be right for our top program. Nuclear Scales furnished at Country Kitchen Children thru age 10 Offer good Feb. 23-Feb. 29, 5-9 p.m. COUNTRY KITCHEN 1503 W. 23rd 843-2025