Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit

Drama department presents ‘The Way of the World’

Monday, January 26, 2009, By News Staff
Share

Drama department presents ‘The Way of the World’January 26, 2009Patrick Finlonstagepr@syr.edu

The Syracuse University Department of Drama will present William Congreve’s “The Way of the World” Feb. 6-15.

A man willing to go any lengths to secure a wealthy wife meets his match in this comedy of manners. Witness the complex twists in the plot and watch as it all unravels as Mirabell maneuvers and schemes to achieve his desired social status through an advantageous marriage. Tickets are available at (315) 443-3275 or by visiting http://vpa.syr.edu/drama.

“The Way of the World” provides a satirical glimpse into 18th-century England’s upwardly mobile class. Marriage, money and class are the keys to survival in this society, leading one to question the existence of a romantic foundation to marriage. Congreve’s final play, “The Way of the World” is considered a shining example of Restoration comedy, a genre known for its humor regarding relationships, as well as an emphasis on elegance, class and manners.

“I was attracted by the richness of the characters and the elegant, beautifully constructed language through which they express themselves. They compete with each other both in appearance and in clever word play,” notes director Malcolm Ingram. “Unlike Shakespeare, it’s as if their passion is always channeled and expressed through their intellect, and I felt that this would present a very worthwhile challenge for myself and the students.”

Restoration comedy propelled audiences to dizzying heights of laughter. Written in 1700 during a time of transition from conservative to liberal attitudes, “The Way of the World” is a social commentary on the blurred line between the desire for romance in marriage and the need for financial security. To emphasize this point, Congreve set a precedent in both the theater world and high society by having Mrs. Millamant, who does love Mirabell, insist he sign a pre-nuptial agreement that will preserve her control over her inheritance once they are married.

Although “The Way of the World” was coolly received when it was first performed, it has since come to be considered one of the most intellectually accomplished English comedies. The story revolves around a pair of lovers, Millamant and Mirabell, who establish a rather unconventional marriage arrangement based on their knowledge of the world which, as they know, is inhabited primarily by intriguers, fops and fools.

Ingram teaches voice and acting in the Department of Drama. His previous produc-tions include “Henry V” (with an all female cast), “Charley’s Aunt,” “The Maid’s Tragedy,” “Our Country’s Good,” “Macbeth,” “Twelfth Night,” “Sir Patient Fancy” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Ingram is also an actor with a long career in the U.K. as well as many professional productions in this country.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $13 for students and seniors; $7 rush tickets are available at the door, one hour before curtain. Wednesday, Feb. 11, is “Pay What You Can Night” for valid SU I.D. cardholders. For tickets and more information, contact the Department of Drama box office at (315) 443-3275 or visit http://vpa.syr.edu/drama.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Important Update for Flexible Spending Accounts
    Friday, February 26, 2021, By News Staff
  • Message From Dean of Students Marianne Thomson
    Friday, February 26, 2021, By News Staff
  • CAS in Intercollegiate Athletic Advising and Support Addresses Unique Needs of College Student-Athletes
    Thursday, February 25, 2021, By Jennifer Russo
  • Activities for the Weekend of Feb. 25-28
    Thursday, February 25, 2021, By News Staff
  • Aerospace Engineering Alumni Profile: George Kirby ’92
    Thursday, February 25, 2021, By Chris Barbera

More In Uncategorized

“The Privileges and Pitfalls of ‘WandaVision’ and Marvel’s Disney+ Empire.”

Kendall Phillips, professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was interviewed by Observer for the story “The Privileges and Pitfalls of ‘WandaVision’ and Marvel’s Disney+ Empire.” Phillips, who teaches a class on the…

“Pain and Isolation Are Driving America’s Lockdown Overdose Surge.”

Shannon Monnat, associate professor of sociology and Lerner Chair for Public Health Promotion in the Maxwell School, was interviewed by VICE for the article “Pain and Isolation Are Driving America’s Lockdown Overdose Surge.” Monnat, who has worked on a variety…

“Life after COVID: Will people still wear masks after the pandemic?”

Shana Kushner Gadarian, associate professor of political science in the Maxwell School, was interviewed by CBS affiliate 10 Tampa Bay for the story “Life after COVID: Will people still wear masks after the pandemic?” Gadarian, who has researched political public…

“Advocates worry as most disabled people left off vaccine priority list.”

Scott Landes, associate professor of sociology in the Maxwell School, was interviewed by CTV News (Canada) for the story “Advocates worry as most disabled people left off vaccine priority list.” Landes, who has researched the impact of COVID 19 on…

“Stimulus bill would boost incomes of poorest Americans by nearly $4,000”

Katherine Michelmore, assistant professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School, had research cited by CBS for the story “Stimulus bill would boost incomes of poorest Americans by nearly $4,000.” Michelmore,  who is a senior research associate…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.