“Goodness is nothing in the furnace of art,” says the character of Antonio Salieri and no better quote can summarize the motivation and vengeful actions of Salieri against Mozart in the powerful theater play of “Amadeus.” Directed by Gary Griffin and written by Peter Shaffer, the play demonstrates how anyone with both envy and lust for fame can destroy not only another person, but ultimately themselves.
The Shakespeare Theater at Chicago’s Navy Pier may not have the biggest or best stage (which is only a few feet above the ground with the audience sitting around three sides), however with all the actors dressed in late eighteenth century attire accompanied by powdered faces and embellishing wigs made me feel as if I was an observer in a European home. The performers are very talented and have the ability to engulf the audience into believing their character by giving all their vigorous energy into the witty remarks and influential speeches.
The narrative of “Amadeus” is told by Antonio Salieri (Robert Sella) and the first scene portrays him in a chair dressed in a raggedy brown cloak. After the Venticelli leave the stage after saying they do not believe Salieri poisoned Mozart thirty four years ago, Salieri informs the audience that he is on the eve of his death bed and he wants to tell the story of the “relationship” he had with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri also wants to confess his devious behavior towards his competitor. “In other words, did I do it?” Sella smirks before he takes off the cloak (revealing a red velvet jacket and stockings) and the stage is set up for the net scene.
The Royal Chamberlain and the Emperor of Austria’s approval of Salieri makes him known as the best composer within his time. In the play and also in real life, he served as Court Composer and later he was the Conductor of the Italian Opera. However, Salieri’s work was only liked by the Chamberlain and Emperor because his compositions were familiar and simple. Before Salieri met his rival his Venticelli informed him that Mozart was well known for being a prodigy and the son of Leopold Mozart.
Played by Robbie Collier Sublett, Mozart is an immature composer, which is expressed perfectly by Sublett who makes fart noises with his mouth throughout the whole production. Mozart shows off his talent by one-upping Salieri’s entrance music by memorizing it as he walks in the door and by adding complicated, but beautiful, notes to the piece. Salieri slyly remarks to the audience afterward, “Was it that early I thought of murder?” Salieri becomes extremely envious of Mozart and he denounces God for giving Mozart the gift.
The first act is ended with an emotional and strong soliloquy by Salieri, within it he says, “Him You have chosen to be Your sole conduct… So be it! From this time we are enemies, You and I!” By telling lies and by manipulating the Chamberlain and the Emperor, Salieri destroys Mozart little by little. I highly recommend anyone to view this show to grasp the full effect of deceitfulness. “Amadeus” is playing in the Shakespeare Theater at Chicago’s Navy Pier from September 6th to November 9th.
