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About The print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1977-1989 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 10, 1985)
Entertainment Insane Czech comedy staged By Thad Kreisher Entertainment Editor Most people believe that their lives are hectic and full of complications. Compared to most people, however, Dr. Ed ward Huml’s life is a holocaust. He has a mistress who wants him to divorce his wife, a wife who wants him to dump his mistress, a quartet of scientists doing a study on him with a fickle computer, and a young secretary whom he lusts after while simultaneously at tempting to draft a book. Friday, Dec. 4, the Theatre Arts Department debuted this term’s major production,, “The Increased Difficulty of Concentration ”. The play’s fast pace, and irregular scene arrangement make it a dif ficult piece to perform. Despite this, the actors did an admirable job, pulling it off smoothly with no noticeable mistakes, a definite credit to Jack Sheilds’ excellent direc ting talents. The play takes place in Prague, Czechoslavakia in 1960. Social scientist Edward Huml is fighting a desperate battle to juggle the many dif ferent aspects of his life. Un fortunately, he just has too many things to juggle, and he keeps losing ground as anar- Neil Hess plays the dissatisfied Mr. Beck. chy closes inevitably in around him. Edward, portrayed by Joshua “Sparky” Collins, is having an affair and his wife, Vlasta, (Janice Martin), wants it to stop. His mistress, Renata, (Gail Taylor), however wants him to divorce his wife, immediately. Edward Huml wants it all, and so is left jerking them both around “like fish on a line”. He never really lies to them, he just twists their words around to say what he wants. To com plicate things further, a team of social scientists are using him as a specimen in an experi ment to shape the human per sonality. Throw in Huml’s tendency to make a pass at every woman he meets, and a tempermental computer nam ed Puzzik, and you have a situation in which any sort of concentration or organization is impossible. It’s just a big mess. . “The Increased Difficulty of Concentration” is an absur dist comedy, much like the comedy of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”. Indeed, it is totally absurd. The idea of so meone having four separate parties in his home at the same time, and none of the them ever becoming aware of the other’s presence is absurd in itself. From the irritable Mr. Beck, (Neil Hass), to the con fused Dr. Balcar, (Diana Bauer), every character is full of odd little quirks which add to the play’s comically insane mood. I must admit, though, that throughout the entire first act I was thoroughly confused. The aspect of the play which impressed me the most was the acting and overall organiza tion itself. Joshua Collins played a superb Edward Huml, very harried and lack ing totally in concentration, and although Neil Hess’ part was small as the frustrated Mr. Beck, his character stood out and was my overall favorite. Director Jack Sheilds said it best when he commented, “It (The Increased Difficulty of Concentration) is a comment on the hyper-input of today’s society”. It’s fast, furious, and insane. In today’s world of entertainment where we often find ourselves paying outrageous prices only to have our intelligence insulted, a play such as “Increased Dif ficulty” is welcome. It is not only extremely funny and entertaining, but it also challenges its audience to think A play more than worth the price of admission. College cafeteria rates high , gets high points cafeteria price-wise as well as food-wise to other fast-food restaurants such as “Where’s the Beef?” McDonald’s, the overall Remember that slogan that response was positive. jetted Wendy’s hamburger The price for food, most sales right up to the front agreed, was pretty reasonable along with “Big Mac” and the for students and only one per “Whopper?” How could son felt the prices could be anyone forget Clara Peller, the readjusted to suit student cute little old lady whose voice budgets a bit more. Prices on demanded the answer for her fruit were also felt to be a bit question, “Where’s the The chocolate chip cookies were also highly high. beef?” Food quality and nutrition That slogan wised up a lot praised. Sorry, Mom. scored a positive note too. of hamburger consumers but One student, Cassie Car there’s more to life than just dinale, felt the food wasn’t hamburgers. that expensive and 1 the For people on the run or in a over a few notes before class. more seriously. hurry, “fast-food” is mainly When asked if she had any Robert Alzahi, also a stu cafeteria had more to offer compared to McDonald’s or the answer for a quick bite to suggestions on improvements dent, felt the cafeteria could other fast-food restaurants. eat, the same goes for students be kept cleaner. for the cafeteria, student Syn- How nutritionally fit could in school who might want to Most of the students inter dy Helm’s replied, “I’m the cafeteria be considered? eat something between classes. viewed made regular trips to satisfied, I wouldn’t hesitate “It’s pretty nutritional. I Running to McDonald’s or the cafeteria. Three to four to meet a friend here.” think, though, how much Wendy’s is fine but the times a week seemed to be the Whatever the reason, nutrition a person gets cafeteria, located by the Com students shared basically the average. When asked to compare the depends on the person and munity Center here on cam same interest as far as food By Amy Doane Of The Print pus, is closer, more conve nient, and basically caters to the College students needs more efficiently. For many students the cafeteria is a place to gather with friends and socialize over coffee, for others a place to grab something to eat and go quality, price, nutrition, and atmosphere. Only a small ma jority showed concern for im provement in some areas. John Eiling, a student, felt with the amount of time food sits under the heat lamps that precautions on food safety should be taken a little bit what they buy,” commented Liesl Miller. John Peyton laughingly replied, “They have the four basic food groups.” The popular items to eat among the students interview ed were the soups, sandwiches, and especially the salad bar. The chocolate chip cookies were also highly praised. Sorry, Mom. On the average, students spent approximately $8.00 dollars on food in 3 to 4 days. The average student seems satisfied with the cafeteria. Whether a food source or a social gathering spot, there is always some kind of activity taking place. Now that the cafeteria doors have been opened and you are still wondering, “Where’s the beef?” ask Clara Peller, chances are she’s wondering too. Page 5 December 10, 1985 SN: OLOÜ55