Why is it that I always seem to develop a social life at the most inopportune moment? Such as, for example, in the middle of thesis-writing?
Be that as it may, I'm profoundly glad that I hauled myself to the Belvoir St. Theatre's new production of Lope de Vega's 17th century play, "Peribanez" ("Peribбсez y el comendador de Ocaсa"). I knew nothing about the play, except that it stars Marton Csokas, aka Borias from "Xena" and various other characters from recent films like "Kingdom of Heaven". Little did I know that I was in for a real treat: a night of extraordinary, thought-provoking theatre.
I don't have the mental energy for a proper review, but it's an intense play, brilliantly written and staged, which somehow manages to be at once a comedy and a tragedy, with a bit of Spanish music thrown in. I loved it, and while I really enjoyed Marton's performance, I wouldn't say he was the star of the show as such -- the entire troupe were wonderful. I've never seen this company before, although it is one of Sydney's most highly respected, and this play has made me an instant fan.
Watching this translation of a 17th century text also reminded of why I prefer to see Shakespeare in translation. Same time period, but while this play breathed character and energy, most English-language productions of Shakespeare breathe ... great poetry. Here, having shaken off the restraints of archaic language, the translation gives the actors unmatched freedom to convey the nuances of characterisation and drama to the modern audience. It removes the language barrier and just lets you appreciate the play as it is meant to be appreciated -- not because it's a classic, but because it gets under your skin.