Nobody can do farce like the French — that has been evident for centuries. Playwright David Ives, author of the runaway hit Venus in Fur, has reached back to The Liar, a play by Pierre Corneille first performed in 1644, and added a fresh translation and adaptation. The University of Houston is now presenting it in a two-week run. The play’s director, Jack Young says “The Liar is a kicky rediscovery of a classical French comedy. David Ives, whose wit and whimsy burst forth in his All in the Timing one-acts, goes the full distance in this “transl-adaptation” of a man who spins incredible and astounding lies, his servant who can only tell the truth and the sharp-witted women they love. Fast-paced, entwining high flourishes and low humor, The Liar is a delight.” The central character is Dorante, who impresses two newly met young women by describing nonexistent heroic war experiences. But Dorante has confused the women’s names, so he pursues Lucrece, though it is Clarice who has won his heart. There is the ironic twist that Dorante’s father has found the perfect girl for his son, and it is Clarice! An increasing volley of outlandish lies prevents the truth from emerging, as pandemonium — and hilarity — ensue.
8 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through November 23. 4800 Calhoun. For information, call 713-743-3003 or visit uh.edu. $20.
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Nov. 13. Continues through Nov. 23, 2014
This article appears in Nov 13-19, 2014.