REVIEW: Pushing the boundaries right from day one
DESPITE its off-putting misogynistic title, The Woman Hater was the perfect production to christen the theatre at The Other Place.
Although the new RSC building didn't officially open until Monday, 21st March, but on Wednesday 9th March, Edward’s Boys had the honour of being the first to put on a play there.
Edward’s Boys are the all-boy theatre company comprising students from King Edward VI School, Stratford (Shakespeare’s School), who are known for their unique exploration of the repertoire of the boys’ companies from the early 17th century.
It’s understood that The Woman Hater, written by Francis Beaumont, was first performed by the Children of Paul’s — mid-teen choirboys — around 1606ish.
The play is enjoyably ridiculous. Principally a farce, the main plot involves woman-hater Gondarino (Daniel Wilkinson is brilliantly intense) attempting to stitch up genteel lady Oriana (a subtle and elegant performance from Jack Hawkins); one of many sub-plots involves gourmand Lazarillo (Daniel Power is hilarious as the OTT greedy guts) and his obsessive quest for a prized fish dish.
While the play is a bit of a muddle, at its heart it examines the nature of obsession. The production has been set in 1950s Milan.
The staging is set in traverse, so the boys act in an alley between the two sides of the audience. There are few props or set, just six entrances.
The cast swank around the exposed acting area in sharp suits and prom dresses with total command and confidence. The farcical nature of the proceedings is heightened by the delirious comings and goings.
There’s also some top tunes (mambo, lounge music and exquisite choral) and smutty jokes, but above all what carries it is the fine performances.
Although initially it may seem retrograde to revisit those archaic days when women were not allowed onstage, in the hands of director Perry Mills this production comes over as exciting and innovative.
The boys playing girls display no campness, the effect is subtle and adds beguiling depth to the play’s title.
RSC deputy artistic director, Erica Whyman, the driving force behind The Other Place, says she wants it to be a home of challenging work, and this gender-swapping, highly-entertaining production ticked all the boxes.
Gill Sutherland