Written by Edmond
Rostand
Adapted and directed
by Damien Ryan
Sport For Jove
Theatre Company
Canberra Theatre
Centre at the Playhouse to 1 July
Reviewed by Len Power
29 June 2017
‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ by Edmond Rostand premiered in France
in December 1897. It’s now considered
one of the greatest plays the world has ever known. Its irresistible story explores the
love-triangle between Cyrano, a poet and soldier with an impossibly gigantic
nose, who loves the beautiful Roxane but lacks the courage to tell her, wooing
her instead through the good looks of a young hero, Christian. It’s funny and it’s tragic and it’s very, very
moving.
In 2013, Damien Ryan won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best
Direction and Best Production with this show which was first performed outdoors. Ryan also adapted the play and is now performing
as Cyrano in the current touring production.
 |
| Damien Ryan as Cyrano |
The stage setting by Anna Gardiner for this production no
doubt owes a lot to the 2013 design by Barry French. It still suggests an outdoor atmosphere with
low lighting in the auditorium as the audience is seated and the set is
enhanced by Daniel Barber’s clever light and shadow design. Anna Gardiner’s costume design is excellent
and the level of detail in the set pieces and properties onstage is constantly interesting.
Entering the auditorium before the play commences, the audience
is surprised to hear Edith Piaf singing.
It’s a clue that this production is not going to be predictable. Damien Ryan’s adaptation is set in 1913 but
the dialogue includes modern day references and uses today’s speech patterns,
making it very accessible and very funny at times.
Damien Ryan, in the marathon leading role, is superb. His rapid fire line delivery is absolutely
clear and understandable and his characterisation and emotional journey are
totally believable. As Roxane, Lizzie
Schebesta is wonderful in the key role of the beautiful woman desired by three
men and Scott Sheridan is hilarious and very real as Christian, the handsome young
soldier struggling for words to woo Roxane.
James Lugton gives an impressive performance as De Guiche, commander of
the French armies and John Turnbull is memorable as Ragueneau, the pastry chef. The rest of the 18 member company play more
than one role, giving us a multitude of realistic and entertaining characters.
 |
| Scott Sheridan as Christian and Lizzie Schebesta as Roxane |
Damien Ryan has directed a production that moves at great
speed and is constantly interesting and enjoyable. It’s performed so well that the emotional
impact of the end of the play is devastating even if you know what’s
coming. This show is what great theatre
is all about.
Photographs by David James McCarthy
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘Artcetera’ program (9am Saturdays) and
other selected Artsound programs.
