On the other hand, Kelly Molloy, the youngest cast member, played her role with a breeziness more appropriate to Neil Simon than Ibsen. A big surprise was the comic relief of Martin Papaziam as the opportunistic bumpkin woodworker. That it was a surprise was obvious in the nervous laughter as Papaziam took his character over the top, kowtowing deeply, hobbling around like Frankenstein and gesturing wildly as if flashing Norwegian gang signs. Ibsen intended to undercut the otherwise overwhelming seriousness of his play with this character, however inappropriate that may seem to our sensibilities. It was a relief when Papaziam finally got an outright laugh late in the play.
Ghosts is no longer obscene, but neither is it simply old-fashioned.
Ibsen doesn't give us answers, but he does make us think. Arizona Repertory Theatre and the UA Theatre Department can take pride in how well they've served this work. Ghosts , directed by Ocie Robinson, continues through October 25 at the UA Laboratory Theatre , Drama West Building, southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway. For information and reservations, call the UA Fine Arts box office at 621-1162 .