‘The paradise of the rich is made out of the misery of the poor’ was the main plot of the play.

I recently had the pleasure of watching “The Man Who Laughs”, a play by Victor Hugo, which was played by the Pro Theatre at the Russian Science and Culture Center (RSCC). The attraction of the sinisterly creeping smile and its famous author of it was what led me to watch the play.

Although this play was based on the 17 th to 18 th century in England, I somewhat found resemblance in our current societal state. The reason why the classic play is still of relevance is probably due to the fact that this story will play out during all times regardless of the development of humankind.

This was almost perfectly described by the actors. The casts included B.Bilguun as Gwynplaine, Ts.Tumurkhuyag as Ursus, T.Eneral as Dea, and Z.Bulgan, as Homo the wolf. The executive producer was O.Itgel who also plays the character of Barkilphedro and, the executive director was B.Davaasuren, and the executive illustrator was B.Ankhbaatar.

The play began with a creepy song with words such as, “ Don’t cry and always smile, if not you will be mutilated”. It was disturbing and truly gave the chills. Then, Ursus while scolding Gwynplaine said, “Be quiet! Even if you’re suffering, show them your smile or else you will be killed.” This was a good scene where it showed exactly how the poor had to live, under a sadistic rule. Last but not least, the next scene that left me humbled and mortified was the scene where the governors and noblemen laughed when Lord Clancharlie, who was Gwynplaine, stated of the difficulties and unfair life the poor had. These were the exact moments in the play in which the characters truly brought the roles into life.

However, sometimes the scenes were telling the audience what happened instead of showing them. The play would be a bit hard to catch up and confusing if you don’t know anything about the play. I believe that if they had more time, they could add more details to the play out the scenes instead of almost jumping from one to another.

As for the stage and costumes, it was certainly irregular. The background held of clothes, which people would come through it. Moreover, the background character’s costume was a drawn dresses and suits on a white carton. Moreover, the excessive need of lengthened dresses, and hands and legs where a little unnecessary in my opinion. However, the interesting approach using shadow play to speed time was good.

Despite this, we should learn from this play. It showed the cruel difference between the rich and poor. How unfair the world is and how it makes you want to fire this system and create an equal fair life to all. Therefore, it is worth to give it a try.