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This is
quite simply a play that has everything . The challenge being to communicate
the mood and social codes of 17th century Spain to a 21st century
audience, the cast do justice and more to Calderon's work. This excellent
adaption by Adrian Mitchell which retains the sense and the poetry
of the original piece is both comic and dark, reflective and relevant
and, as an Everyman debut for director Gemma Bodinetz, a bold move
that comes off.
Calderon
is to Spanish drama what Shakespeare is to ours, his works dealing
with the great themes and dilemmas using language which is memorable
yet timeless with a direct appeal to the audience.
This
production centres around Pedro Crespo, a proud farmer who has to
act both as Mayor and father when his daughter is raped by the less
than honourable Captain Don Alvaro. Honour is pivotal, whether it
be the respect due by virtue of noble or military position or the
integrity that comes from within, God given and not to be abused.
Michael
Byrne, as Pedro, gives a moving performance as a man keen to do
his duty to King and country, willing to give hospitality to visiting
soldiers but determined to preserve the family honour As wise as
Polonius in advice given to his son Juan, he is unatraid to mete
out justice to family and strangers in accordance with the duties
entrusted to him. It is where this justice extends to the military
that he oversteps the mark and has to be dealt with by a higher
authority.
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Paul
Bhattercharjee is a suitably unpleasant captain, arrogant enough
to assume that the girl is his by right. Chipo Chung, playing Isabel,
is both suitably modest in her demeanour and heart-rending in her
despair following the violation she knows has brought dishonour
to the family. Lighter relief is provided by Nick Moss as the down
to earth Rebolledo and his "Spanish tart" La Chispa, played
with appropriate sparkiness by local actress Annabelle Dowler, Kirsty
to hordes of Radio 4 listeners, who makes a very smooth transition
from the Archers to the Infantry. Verve, enthusiasm and some more
than half decent singing , humour and bawdiness and a couple of
comic caricatures in the shabby aristocrat Don Mendo and Nuno, his
personal Sancho Panza.
This
company plays to its strengths on a simple set faithful to its time.
Team work is superb, the pace racy and the reflections striking
a chord with the audience. Richard Bremner as the volatile but essentially
fair Commander Don Lope and Paul Meston as the King, a cameo but
essential role of reconciliation, complete the line up.
This
play works well visually but, close your eyes, and powerful language
ensures it would work well on the Radio, 4 or otherwise. It deserves
to play to full houses so, if you haven't seen it, get down to the
Everyman, bring your friends, bring your students. You won't be
disappointed.
Words:
Nariz Azul
The Mayor Of Zalamea is at The Everyman until Saturday 6th March,
Box Office 0151 709 4776
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