Watch The Liar

The Liar is a play written by Pierre Corneille in 1643, but the production that is the subject of this description is actually a contemporary retelling of the classic tale. This production, which was first performed in 2013, is an English language adaptation by David Ives, a playwright and screenwriter known for his work on the likes of Venus in Fur and the film adaptation of his play, New Jerusalem.

The basic premise of The Liar revolves around a young man named Dorante, who arrives in Paris and quickly finds himself caught up in a web of lies and deceptions. Despite being incredibly charming and witty, Dorante is also a compulsive liar who desperately wants to make a good impression on the people he meets. Over the course of the play, he weaves an increasingly intricate web of lies that threatens to come crashing down around him at any moment.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Liar is the way in which it blends both traditional and modern elements. While the play is set in the 17th century, the language and humor are decidedly modern, with plenty of references to contemporary pop culture and slang. This keeps the play feeling fresh and accessible, even for those who might not be familiar with the original source material.

At its heart, however, The Liar is a story about the power of language and the ways in which we use it to shape our own identities. Dorante is a master wordsmith, able to spin elaborate lies at the drop of a hat, but he is also deeply insecure and wants nothing more than to be liked and admired by those around him. As the play progresses and his lies become more and more convoluted, it becomes clear that he is ultimately his own worst enemy.

One of the standout features of this production of The Liar is the strength of its cast. The play is very much an ensemble piece, with each actor given multiple roles to play and plenty of opportunity to showcase their comedic chops. Jeremy Kahn, who plays Dorante, is a particular standout, bringing a mix of charm and vulnerability to the part that makes it easy to see why so many people are taken in by his lies. Similarly, Amanda Quaid is delightful as Clarice, the object of Dorante's affections, striking just the right balance between witty and sweet.

The set design and staging of The Liar are also worth mentioning. The play takes place in a variety of different locations, from the streets of Paris to the gardens of a grand estate, and the set designers do an excellent job of creating distinct and memorable spaces for each scene. In particular, the use of a rotating stage is a clever touch that keeps the action moving at a brisk pace while also highlighting the fluid nature of Dorante's lies.

All of these elements come together to create a play that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. On one level, The Liar is a simple farce about a man who can't stop lying, but on another level, it's a much deeper exploration of the ways in which language shapes the world around us. Whether you're a fan of classic literature or contemporary comedy, this production is well worth checking out.

The Liar is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on October 21, 2013.