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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us July 28, 2005 The Belle’s Stratagem Revived Hannah Cowley’s play receives first major production in a century Doricourt (Gregory Linington, left) joyfully sees his intended bride Letitia Hardy (Heather Robison) unmasked. Photo by David Cooper The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will open the 11th and final play of its 70th anniversary year with Hannah Cowley’s effervescent comedy of manners, “The Belle’s Stratagem.” The comedy joins the repertory at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Preview performances are at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Friday. The play runs for 41 performances through Oct. 29. “The Belle’s Stratagem” was written in 1780 by one of the foremost playwrights of the 18th century. Cowley (pronounced Coo-ley) numbered among many women playwrights who experienced great popularity from 1660 through the late 1700s (as did their male contemporaries Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Brinsley Sheridan). An unfortunate combination of influences at the turn of the century, both theatrical and moral, contributed to the near disappearance of women playwrights in the 1800s. “The Belle’s Stratagem” was one of the few plays by women that continued to receive productions in Britain and the United States throughout the 19th century (the role of Letitia Hardy was a favorite of Ellen Terry). OSF’s production of “The Belle’s Stratagem” is the first major production that Cowley has enjoyed in more than 100 years. Davis McCallum, the 2003 OSF Phil Killian Directing Fellow, directed OSF’s July 2003 play reading of “The Belle’s Stratagem” and, later the same year, a workshop production for the Prospect Theatre Company in New York City. A New York Times review of that production noted, “‘The Belle’s Stratagem’ makes a strong case for Cowley’s joining Sheridan and Goldsmith in the period repertory, and ... offer[s] an evening’s escape to the 18th century for anyone aweary of our own.” McCallum is once again at the helm for OSF’s production. Set in 1780s London, “The Belle’s Stratagem” is the tale of Letitia Hardy, promised to the charming Doricourt, whom she hasn’t seen since childhood. Her plan to enchant him with her wit and charm is turned upside-down when she discovers she’s fallen madly in love with him, and he seems quite unmoved by her. Desiring to marry a man who adores her equally, she plans a bold deception — to have love as she likes it. Interwoven with Letitia’s scheme to trick Doricourt into passion is the story of the newly married Touchwoods. Sir George is wildly jealous of his lovely country-bred wife, and his fear of her being corrupted by fashionable life encourages plots by his acquaintance to turn Lady Frances into a fine lady in order to spite Sir George. Flutter (John Tufts, left) and Mrs. Racket (Demetra Pittman) exchange gossip as Sir George Touchwood (David Kelly) looks on disapprovingly. Photo by Jenny Graham. Playing the role of Letitia Hardy is Heather Robison, also appearing as Maria Rosaria in “Napoli Milionaria!” Gregory Linington, in his sixth season at OSF, will play Doricourt; David Kelly, currently performing as Gordon Miller in “Room Service,” will appear as Sir George Touchwood; and Miriam A. Laube, who played Julia Craven in “The Philanderer,” will be Lady Frances Touchwood. Also featured in the cast are Michael J. Hume as Old Hardy, father to Letitia; Demetra Pittman as Mrs. Racket; Shad Willingham as Saville; Terri McMahon as Miss Ogle; Mark Murphey as Villers; John Tufts as Flutter; Mirron E. Willis as Courtall; Aisha Kabia as Kitty Willis; and Jake Street as Tony. Other members of the ensemble are Adam Cuppy, Sean Kelly and Caroline Crocker. Scenic design for the show is by OSF resident designer William Bloodgood; costumes by resident designer Deborah M. Dryden; lighting by guest designer Ann G. Wrightson; composition by resident designer Todd Barton; voice and text work by guest artist Ursula Meyer; choreography by guest artist Suzanne Seiber. Movement director is resident artist John Sipes, and dramaturg on the project is guest artist Melinda C. Finberg. Tickets are available online at www.osfashland.org or by calling 482-4331. 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