Phèdre

Phèdre, 17 May-2 June, Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne; 6-29 June 2013, Sydney Opera House. Directed by Peter Evans.

Catherine plays: Phèdre.

Phèdre is a very interesting and wonderful play. It is one that isn't produced much in Australia (at least by the professional theatre companies), but it is a play that is considered to be the Hamlet of France. This was the second production I have seen Catherine in this year, and she seems to be getting better and better as a theatre actress every time I've seen her. Written by French playwright Jean Racine, this Bell Shakespeare production used the 1998 translation by British poet Ted Hughes.

Phèdre is married to Theseus (Marco Chiappi), King of Athens. She is dying of an illness she won't even tell her nurse Oenone (Julie Forsyth) about, however, she hides an even bigger secret - one that is consuming her, so much so, that she would rather die than live with it. Phèdre is in love with her step-son, Hippolytus (Edmond Lembke-Hogan). It is not a love she has chosen however; she, like every other woman in her family, has been cursed. For example, her mother was cursed to fall in love with, and mate with a bull. Falling in love with her step-son is Phèdre's curse from the God Venus, and one that she has tried to rid herself of - by displaying public hatred towards Hippolytus - but to no avail.

Theseus has been missing for six months, and when news of his death reaches the palace, Oenone convinces Phèdre to tell Hippolytus of her love for him, as the love is now valid. As many step-sons would be I'm sure, Hippolytus is rather disgusted by his step-mother's feelings for him. A scene with Phèdre putting her hands down the back of Hippolytus' trousers as she tries to seduce him could have been rather awkward to watch, but surprisingly, it wasn't. After Phèdre reveals her forbidden love, it is discovered that Theseus isn't actually dead, and he returns, to a rather cold reception from his wife and son. Sprung into action by the sudden return of Theseus, Phèdre gives Oenone free reign to tell Theseus whatever she likes. Oenone makes up a story that Hippolytus raped Phèdre, and Theseus' reaction to this is anger, and he summons the God of Neptune to avenge his son. When Phèdre goes to tell Theseus the truth about Hippolytus and what actually happened between them, Theseus tells her that his son is in love with Aricia (Abby Earl). Filled with anger and rage, Phèdre then decides not to tell her husband the truth.

It's almost as if Catherine was meant to play the role of Phèdre; she takes on the character so well. It would have no doubt been a challenging one. Phèdre is such an emotional woman - she is angry, shaken, reflective, seductive. She tries so hard to be good, she doesn't want to give in to her feelings for Hippolytus. She knows it is wrong. But the Gods step in the way, and once those feelings are revealed, her fate as well as those around her, are forced into motion and like any tragedy, it doesn't end well for a lot of the characters. Of the other actors, Julie Forsyth is good as Phèdre's nurse, and Marco Chiappi has an excellent voice for theatre.

I really liked the set and the costumes, Phèdre's clothes (and stilettos) are particularly interesting for a queen but are also quite modern! Peter Evans direction at the beginning of the play was an interesting choice, all the actors on the stage were static. One thing that I didn't really like about the play (and this is only because it managed to make me flinch every time), was the loud thunderous-like sounds at the start of every scene/act. This measly aspect aside, Phèdre was a great play to see and one that I will remember for a while!

*****