THE DOG IN THE MANGER: T0 26 March.
THE DOG IN THE MANGER
by Lope de Vega, in a new translation by David Johnston
The Playhouse, London in rep 21 January-26 March 2005
Audio-described/Captioned 5 March 2pm
Runs: 2h 50m, one interval
TICKETS: 0870 060 6631
Review: Rod Dungate, 21 April 2004
A sparkling comedy from the Spanish Golden AgeDavid Johnston's translation (which in some respects must be close adaptation) of this first of the RSC's Spanish Golden Age plays is a delightful, totally accessible comedy. And it has a deliciously businesslike sting in its tail, so it means something too.
Diana, member of Spanish aristocracy, realises she is in love with Teodoro. Unfortunately he is a servant (her secretary) so any formal liaison is out of the question. Anyway, he's in love with Diana's lowly cousin, Marcela, who herself used to be in love with another servant, Fabio. Not surprisingly the plot spins around these relationships, but it never does it simplistically.
Right in the centre is Diana (named after the huntress goddess I would guess); she is as imprisoned by her status and rigid social codes as she is by her elaborate and corseted gown (catholic crucifix always on show nice touch.) Rebecca Johnson's is a beautiful performance, she homes in on Diana's emotional quandary, often putting both sides of the 'honour' debate. We easily share her frustration, feel her sexual nature held tightly in check. But Johnson never loses sight of the play's comedic context, everything has the most delicate wash of humour.
De Vega also gives surprising depth to Diana's love, Teodoro (Joseph Millson). In some ways he's a bit of a tosser, happy to take up or drop his earlier lover, Marcela, as fortune demands. But, too, Millson perfectly balances comedy and honesty, he ensures we stay with him all the way. What a charmer!
The RSC has put together an ensemble of actors for this season and the strength of all performances promises us a good time in the plays to come. I make no apology, though, for picking out pint-sized Simon Trinder. With a face that at times might serve as a Botticelli cherub he is perfect as Teodoro's cunning servant, Tristan. Servant's nimble wit is matched by actor's nimble physicality. Trinder earns a well deserved round with his preposterous invention of a Greek merchant who seems to owe much to the Turkish community in Liverpool.
Laurence Boswell, who directs, has found exactly the right focus and keeps the action bowling along. Es Devlin's designs match elegance and simplicity.
Marcela: Claire Cox
Diana: Rebecca Johnson
Clara: Katherine Kelly
Dorotea: Melanie MacHugh
Anarda: Emma Pallant
Fabio: Joseph Chance
Celio: Julius D'Silva
Teodoro: Joseph Millson
Count Federico: Oscar Pearce
Marquis Ricardo: John Ramm
Antonelo: Matt Ryan
Octavio: Peter Sproule
Ludovico: John Stahl
Tristan: Simon Trinder
Furio: John Wark
Lirano/ Leonido/ Camilo: Oliver Williams
Direction: Laurence Boswell
Design: Es Devlin
Lighting: Ben Ormerod
Music Ilona Sekacz
Sound: Tim Oliver
Choreography: Heather Habens
Fights: Terry King
Voice and Dialect: Jeannette Nelson
2004-04-23 13:07:11