
Iconic literary works are supposed to speak volumes of the times in which they were created, and leave the world with a universal message. Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” is no exception.
Written in early 17th century Spain, “Don Quixote” was Cervantes’ way of examining traditional tales of chivalry in which the knight in shining armor protects the damsel in distress. Cervantes’ hero, Don Quixote de la Mancha, becomes obsessed with such tales to the point of madness and searches for righteous adventures alongside loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza. The unlikely hero proves that at the time, perhaps, the death of chivalry was an important issue worthy of literary analysis.
But for the Flying Karamazov Brothers, a group known for its mix of circus performances in a political theater setting, Cervantes’ novel is more about context rather than content. The novel is said to have a deep religious undertone, one set in the Spanish Inquisition-era in which tolerance for Islam and Judaism was nonexistent.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Flying Karamazov Brothers’ adaptation of “Don Quixote,” currently showing at the San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum, would push the religious animosity of Cervantes’ times directly into the spotlight.
“Don Quixote,” The Karamazov Brothers’ version, is written by and stars Paul Magid, one of the Brothers’ founding members. Magid plays the Muslim narrator of the story who is often on the receiving end of the racial slurs and blunt insults. Instead of the chivalrous, righteous knight of the novel, the Don Quixote (Peter Van Norden) of this update serves as an example of today’s closed-minded Christian right-winged politics unfairly attacking the Arab nations and Muslims.
But the show presents the serious subject matter in a hilariously entertaining way, featuring several juggling acts, musical numbers (including a wacky rap song) and silly puns. While the script gets lost in the last half of the second act – especially if you’re looking to follow the original storyline – the excellent comedic acting saves what the story lacks in clarity.
Besides Van Norden’s excellent portrayal of the Spanish idealist, this production showcases the talents of Willie “G” in the role of Sancho Panza. His overweight body riding around the stage on a tricycle built for a 3-year-old could have been an awkward sight, but he did it with unlikely humorous grace – his every move was a thrill to watch.
The San Diego Repertory Theatre is also fortunate enough to showcase the talents of Jennifer Miller, who plays eight different parts in the show. Miller is a master of the circus-like antics that make the play mesmerizing. In New York City, Miller is known for founding and starring in Circus Amok, a politically charged one-ring circus. Oh, and she is also a woman with a beard.
Aside from the eccentric cast, live music in Spanish and Arab tones, composed by M. Scott Grabau, give the show an authentic Old World feel. Willie “G’s” rap number and constant use of slang (he refers to Don Quixote as “DQ”) puts a modern twist on an old classic. The Brothers’ interpretation of Cervantes’ novel takes the play and the audience into the 21st century where satire and cheeky humor somehow always surpasses valiant acts of chivalry.
-‘Don Quixote’ is showing through Feb. 4 at the San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum.