The woman at the center of the George Bernard Shaw comedy Candida is a modern woman, according to the actress who plays her. She is very forward-thinking for her time, very grounded, Shannon Emerick says via press materials, not swayed by superficial things.
Set in the 19th century, Candida examines the question, What does a woman truly desire from her husband? Reverend Morell and his lovely wife Candida have what seems to be an ideal marriage, but that tranquility is threatened when Eugene, a young poet, falls in love with Candida. Complicating matters is the fact that Eugene is the couples house guest. Caught between her ardent young admirer and her loving but somewhat dull husband, Candida must choose the path that offers her the best chance for happiness.
Emerick says her characters internal conflict is exciting for her as an actress. I love plays, like this one, that have
people
wrestling with themselves, plays where people are forced to confront serious emotions. Wait, dont let her use of the word serious throw you off. Candida is, at its core, a comedy one that deals with weighty questions of love, obligation and societal expectations, but a comedy nonetheless. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Talento Bilingüe de Houston, 333 South Jensen. For information, call 713-963-9665 or visit www.classicaltheatre.org. $8 to $18.
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: Jan. 27. Continues through Feb. 13, 2011
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.