THEATER REVIEWS : Chapman Makes a Case for ‘Trial’

Franz Kafka’s novel “The Trial,” like his other work, may be an acquired taste. Dark, deep and often dense, it details the arrest of “Joseph K” and the vagaries of the legal system encircling him as he tries to determine the nature of his offense. Reading it is like sliding down an ever tightening tunnel into society’s swirling, forgotten backwaters.

The difficulties of translating this work to the stage seem immense, but director Ron Thronson has solved them neatly with his clever, totally inventive staging at Chapman College’s Waltmar Theatre. Thronson not only has rendered the piece accessible but has brought much tongue-in-cheek humor to it that often makes Kafka’s social (or anti-social) points even more striking.

Wandering from official to official, from lawyer to political savant, from underling to authority figure, K soon realizes he is on a legal journey that will never end. As K, Alex Brewer Disarufino maintains a courageous facade even with each wrong step into the hands of the Court. It’s a difficult role, with little for an actor to hang his hat on, but Disarufino’s sense of the ludicrous sustains him--and keeps K looking sane--throughout.

The production is framed by a perfect set by Ron Coffman, elegantly and theatrically lit by Stacey Westbrook: Colored lights play across stark gray squares--part Art Deco, part industrial complex, cold and forbidding. A sometimes hilarious sound design by Craig Brown includes some haunting original music by Brown along with snippets of Spike Jones and other unexpected audio gags.

Apart from Disarufino, the 17-member cast often acts as one voice, a chorus intoning in drill cadence:

One, two, three, four. Beat your head against the floor. Five, six, seven, eight. Be a willing flagellate.

At other points, the actors step into the action to portray the frighteningly normal-looking ogres who surround K. They’re all good, but some stand out, such as Windy Anne Morgan Bunts as a very funny receptionist who sexually harasses K, and as his elderly Aunt Mildred. Angelique Adams also is particularly effective as K’s obtuse neighbor Miss Burstner, as is J. David Dahl as the “Court painter” Titorelli who promises to use his connections but only sells K some worthless paintings.

As attorney Judith Holden, Kelleigh Holloway is just slick and pompous enough, while Deborah Wissink as nurse Leni, falling for every accused man she meets, provides a statuesque grandeur. As K’s boss, Andy Rose is frenetic and comic, though the actor is funniest in a brief bit as a cab-driver. As Block, another accusee, whose trial has been going on for five years, Randy Anderson creates a very Kafkaesque portrait of a grinning, cringing, smarmy nerd who enjoys his involvement in his case.

* “The Trial,” Waltmar Theatre, Chapman University, Orange. Continues tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. $6 (Chapman students, free; other students and seniors, $4). (714) 997-6812. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Alex Brewer Disarufino: Joseph K Angelique Adams: Miss Burstner Windy Anne Morgan Bunts: Receptionist & K’s Aunt Mildred J. David Dahl: Titorelli Kelleigh Holloway: Judith Holden Deborah Wissink: Leni Andy Rose: Manufacturer & cab driver Randy Anderson: Block

A Chapman University Department of Theatre and Dance production of Ron Thronson’s adaptation of the novel by Franz Kafka. Directed by Ron Thronson. Scenic design: Ron Coffman. Audio design: Craig Brown. Lighting design: Stacey Westbrook. Costume design: Kelleigh Holloway. Movement/vocal coordinators: Kelleigh Holloway, Windy Anne Morgan Bunts.