Menotti’s The Consul

Rose Freeman, director
Alexandra Enyart, conductor
Jason Carlson, music director
Third Eye Theatre Ensemble, Chicago, IL
Lifan Deng, The Police Agent & Mr. Kofner

Photos: Clint Funk

Magda and her family are desperate to escape an unsafe country, yet are relentlessly hindered by bureaucratic red tape. When appearing at the consulate to receive help, Magda is met with a chilling, apathetic Secretary who is numb to the stories churning around her. Faced with indifference, Magda delivers a stunning rebuke for the way we treat our fellow humans in need. While Menotti skillfully focuses the story on Magda, he gently lifts a mirror to our society through the rule-abiding Secretary. The Consul challenges us to look inward and ask ourselves, "What would I do?"

Reviews

“Standouts in the excellent cast include Deng, who played two contrasting characters—a sneering, malevolent policeman and the nebbishy Mr. Kofner, a man perpetually having to correct mistakes in his documents.”

— Mary Wisniewski, Newcity Stage

“Also notable were the deep-voiced Lifan Deng, doubling as Mr. Kofner and the odious Secret Agent, …”

— Lawrence A. Johnson, Chicago Classical Review

“I want to give a special shout-out to Lifan Deng who plays two different characters who are polar opposites, including at least one insane quick change, and absolutely kills both of them.”