'Rashomon' a tale of lust death
"Rashomon” guarantees drama: lust, truth, death
and the swor<^. But it delivers far more than a scin
tillating tale and spine-chilling on-stage combat. Play
ing this week at the Hult Center's Soreng Theatre
Wednesday through Saturday, the local production
is an unusual juxtapostion of (apanese poetry and
swashbuckling theatrics.
The story of "Rashomon" is a deceptively simple
tale of an incident that occurred during 12th-century
feudal japan. Only several facts are known: a Samurai
warrior is dead, a sword run through his chest; a
thief, Tajomaru, is taken by the face of the Samurai's
beautiful wife when a breeze lifts her veil; and the
wife is raped by Tajomaru.
What makes the story complex — and serves as
the play's action — is each of the characters' separate
and contradictory interpretations of the incident.
In designing this orignial production, director
Allan Gross (who received his Masters in Theater
Direction from the University) adapted elements
from the 1927 Akutagawa story, Kurasawa's 194# film,
and the 1951 Broadway play written by Michael and
Fay Kanin. Gross has come up with a production that
is beautifully and precisely staged, acted and scored.
The play has been cast with talented members
from the NewMime Circus and Oregon Actor's
Theatre, and the acting is consistently good. Robert
Webb delivers an especially notable performance as
the animalistic Tajomaru, and Renee Margolin pulls
off a complex role as the raped wife of the Samurai.
She plays the beautiful Kinume from a fragile
Japanese teacup to a satiric JAP (Jewish American
Princess). James Aday, a NewMime veteran, is full of
crazed energy as the Wigmaker who profits without
shame from death and decay. Each of the characters
is self-serving, and it is this flaw that attracts us in
some way to each one's version of the truth.
Peter Nothnagle's score of haunting electronic
music, coupled with radio producer M'Lou Zahner
Photo by Brian Erb
Renee Margolin pulls off the complex role as
the raped wife of the Samurai.
Ollswang's soundtrack, provides an aural backdrop
that propels the play into a realm of mystery and
inconclusiveness.
The Japanese staging methods and Gross's use of
Strasberg's Method acting techniques bring a hard
edged slice of formality to this technically challeng
ing play. Such formalized "staginess" may, at first,
alienate those of us more accustomed to the silver
screen and its slice-of-life routines. But the play's
nebulous chore — that of securing the truth — ex
pressed so appropriately through the haiku-like
beauty of the script, should be enough to lure your
through the Gate of Rashomon.
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ACLU says booze frisking
violates sports fans' rights
By Doug Nash
Of the Emerald
A proposed rule that allows University employees to search fans at
athletic contests is unconstitutional, the American Civil Liberties Union
said at a public hearing Wednesday.
The rule, which went into effect on a temporary basis Aug. 15, ex
pands on an existing rule that prohibits people from bringing glass con
tainers, metal and plastic cans, and alcoholic beverages into University
athletic facilities.
But Dave Fidanque, head of Eugene's local ACLU chapter, said
allowing the University to inspect backpacks and bulky items for the
proSiibited items is in violation of federal and state law.
"In all of the cases in which the public body attempted to justify the
search on the basis of patron consent, the courts held that such 'con
sent' was not voluntary when a refusal to allow the search would result
in being refused admission to the event," Fidanque said.
"And, absent consent, there clearly is not enough of a record to sup
port such an intrusive, warrantless procedure against thousands of in
dividuals attending events at University athletic facilities,” he
continued.
Fidanque also pointed out that the rule was originally proposed in
conjunction with a plan to begin selling beer and wine at Autzen
Stadium during football games. That plan was halted by University Pres.
Paul Olum, who said the decision had been made too hastily.
"In summarizing this record, one could easily conclude that the
warrantless searches at athletic facilities only came about because of the
liquor license request, but were left in place due to an oversight," Fidan
que said.
But Barbara Stoeffler, a member of Lane County Mothers Against
Drunk Drivers, said the rule is necessary to eliminate the use of alcohol
at football games.
"I think if you're going to have a rule you need to enforce that rule,"
she said. "We have talked with the people in law enforcement at length.
They have told us their largest problem time with drunk driving is right
after the games."
Tom Birkland, campus ACLU director, said the rule is "unfairly"
targeted at students. More searches occur at student seat entrances
than at reserve seat entrances, he added.
"Students are searched more than are adults," he said.
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