Theater Review
Romeo and Juliette
Landestheater Detmold, 14.03.04
Beautifully played. Small cast (some 10 actors.) And in German, naturally. If I didn't know the play, it would have made No sence. My complaint is only about the music they had durring the changes of scene: It was rather modern, allthough inspired by ancient musical forms. This was not realy the problem though: the problem was that it was too... lighthearted. It felt like "a nice tune." For me, influenced by Prokofiev as I am, it should have been much more weighty, and shot through with fatality. I just didn't feel it expressed the ... situation.
On to other points though. One of the more unusual choices in this production, was to make Mercutio a woman. She was treated as a man, naturally, I guess I ought to have said he was Played by a woman. (With very becomming long blond hair. I rather enjoyed seeing this talented actress out of the gold-lamey,ultra-blond role I know her from in Victor/Victoria.) Anyhow, she did an excellent job of it, and it was so natural, that I didn't bat an eye at her sexual inuendos to the nurse.
The sets were simple, but effective. The costumes were of an old look (Materials and lines) but of contemporary design (with holes, seams and laces producing the "style.") Juliet was played differently then I immagine; She was childishly playfull. Perhaps it is the way I think of the ballet, that envisions her as more tragic through out. Yes: she should be lighthearted, childish and innocent, but I never thought of her as so playfull.
The actress certainly did a good job though, and I had tears on my cheeks when she stabbed herself. And when she'd drank the potion, and the family found her lifeless. And when Romeo died, and at the death of Mercutio, and (oddly?) at the beginning af the balcony scene. I think this was because I have such a fatalistic view, of the whole play. So for me, that scene was the fallitg in love of two people allready destined to die. It was seeing the happiest moment of their lives.
So... It was a good performance, and I feel better (and cleansed by the tears,) now. I sleep, (11:40 pm) SlyM