It’s not hard to find the stage for A Work of Pure Fiction, there are dozens of small chairs set up and the audience lounges on blankets in the grass taking in the late afternoon sun and light breeze. A few trees shape a natural amphitheatre around the hillock behind the Lowe, and this intimate setting greatly enhances the Hellenistic show.

Written by Edith Freni, A Work of Pure Fiction was inspired by Aristophanes’ The Clouds a Greek comedy that is renowned as the world’s first “comedy of ideas” and for its caricature of Socrates. A Work of Pure Fiction was commissioned and developed by University of Miami’s School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Theatre Arts as a part of the yearlong “Taking Flight” celebration of the humanities and the arts. The play is part of the event “A Walk in the CLOUDS” which commemorates classic studies, performances and art.

Freni’s play pays homage to Aristophanes’ while also poking fun at pop culture, human nature and history. The jokes are witty and well written and this combined with the high-quality acting make this comedy fun to watch. JV Mercanti directed a tight show and his cast’s talent shines. Each actor is on top of his/her comedic timing and transitions are seamless.

A Work of Pure Fiction is definitely worth seeing this weekend.

What: A Work of Pure Fiction, written by Edith Freni and directed by JV Mercanti

When: February 16 and February 17 at 5pm 

Where: On the hillock behind the Lowe Art Museum or the Wesley Gallery (1210 Stanford Dr) if it rains

Price: Free, No reservations necessary

words and photo_shivani aluru.