Review of the play Hightea with the Senator, by Monika Brunacky

STAG also known as Slovak Amateur Theater Group amused it's audience with the third in order theater play, a satire "Tea at the Senator" by Ivan Stodola.

On 29 October, premier day the actors turned a stage of the Slovak House in Lavertone into the world of theater. The world that is for us Slovaks living abroad so precious and close, the world reminding us home, symbolizing culture, history and evoking memories of the changes we went through.

For more than two hours our amateur theater group pulled us into the period after 1918, period of Czechoslovak Republic and introduced us to the story of people who want to become "someone". The attendees were entertained by satiric humorous view of the society almost a century ago highlighting the well known fact that many things never change as time goes by. Sometimes it is not about what one knows but about who one knows. This is the key discovery of Batazar Slivka the main role played by Pavel Sluka and his wife Mrs Slivka in excellent administration of Maria Capela when they decide to enter the politics. The background story of love between their daughter Elena in the administration of Danka Lalíková with opposition politician Dr Hronec in the administration of Patrick Nemes is completing the bigger picture of the satire. Excellent performances of Paul Capel who played butcher candidating alongside Baltazar Slivka into the party and of Anton Stavik who empathized with the role of Russian Professor of ethics Sergej Ivanovich Lopuškina gave the satire sharp humorous touch.
The performances of all our actors – amateurs were surprising. Their strong and confident presentation resulted in a fully rendered characters of Stodola's satire in their simplicity, ease, ambition and "ability" to learn to adapt to society's expectations. As a viewer one was satisfied and left with recognition of STAG's positive progress and development of their theatrical activity.

Scene was revived by the original paintings of Maria Capela. The aged furniture and elegant accessories beautified the stage. This is an undeniable effort of many people who I believe on behalf of all the audience I can wholeheartedly thank for a great cultural experience. Ladies and gentlemen could enjoy the view of colorfully dressed high prestige wives (performed by Lucia Mikulov, Jane Andrews and Elena Lukac) in the style of 30^th from unique wardrobe of Ana Bovdiš. Thanks to musical, sound and lighting assistants Chris Cook and Tommy Kotvas who created an unforgettable atmosphere. Many thanks to the producer Tereza Kral who founded the STAG and led it to accomplishment of three successful theatrical plays. In preparation of satire Hightea with the Senator assisted in the top professional manner Anoton Stavik director and assistant director Juditha Kolecany and Jan Medovarsky.

If I did not mention anyone who was contributed to this masterpiece this is where I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved for their professional commitment, perseverance and determination. Masterpiece was completed and I firmly hope that we will enjoy another great cultural experience from STAG in the future.

Kind regards,
Monika Brunacky