Venue: Jericho Arts Centre
Date(s): November 16 - December 9, 2001
Reviewer: Jane Penistan
Lope de Vega was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and
went to sea with
the Spanish Armada. Besides leading a colourful life he was a prolific
poet and playwright. As might be expected, a play of his could be a
great romp full of action and fun. Dog in the Manger is the
tale of unrequited love ultimately requited.
The aristocratic Diana, Countess of Belflor, is sole mistress of a
large estate and lives a privileged life surrounded by servants and
suitors. Her secretary Teodoro is in love with her, and though she does
not recognize the fact initially, she is also in love with him.
However, when she does realize the state of her heart, she is too bound
by the restrictions of class to admit it. It is only when Diana finds
one of her women in waiting, Marcela, wooed by Teodoro that she
becomes jealous and true love triumphs much to the
discomfort of her noble, hopeful, rival admirers.
As Diana, Joan Bonnett looked beautiful in her lavish dresses but did
not seem to be quite secure in her role. Teodoro, her secretary,
played by Sage Brocklebank, was suitably austere as his social place
demanded, but lacked the sense of fun which Tristan, his servant,
played by Glen Surzyshyn tried to share with him. Surzyshyn's
exuberance belonged to a more comedic production than this, but was
nevertheless entertaining and lively.
Laura Nordin's Marcela might have been more of a minx, so that in the
end she is quite capable of looking after herself when her ambitious
attempt to become allied to Teodoro fails.
Count Federico and Marquis Ricardo (Stephen Street and David Swann) are
suitably imposing and magnificently dressed. They are well served by
their retainers, Leonido (Sean Topps) and Celio (Jamie Larson), with
whom they have a rapport similar to that seen in some Elizabethan plays
and Mozart's Don Giovanni.
When confusion appears to be insoluble, Count Ludovico, convincingly
played by Derek C. Carr, takes charge, and order is restored, as all
recognize his wise authority and judgment.
While this is a somewhat uneven production, there is much to enjoy.
The costumes of the aristocracy are rich and colourful and those of the
servants subdued, but not drab. The set has the magnificence of a
Spanish minor court, ingeniously and simply transformed to an inn where
necessary.
The music, recorded by Rita Constanza, is elegant and charming.
Lope de Vega's works are not well known or often performed, so this is a
rare opportunity that should be taken.
Dog in the Manger runs at the Jericho Arts Centre, 1675 Discovery and
N.W. Marine Drive, November 16 - December 9, 2001, Thursday
through Sunday at 8.00pm.
Tickets $10.00 - $15.00 at the door.
For reservations telephone 604-224-8007.
© 2001, Jane Penistan