Date: Fri 19-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Cymbeline-Shakespeare-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Cymbeline" @Hartford Stage)

Theatre Review--

A Shakesperian Gem Rediscovered

By June April

HARTFORD - After seeing Cymbeline so exquisitely staged at Hartford Stage, one

wonders why this gem is not presented more often. As director and artistic

director of the current production, Mark Lamos' reputation for excellence is

once again affirmed.

As this is his final season as Hartford Stage artistic director, it is

especially fitting Mr Lamos selected Shakespeare's Cymbeline ; he also

directed it 17 years ago, when he first arrived at Hartford Stage.

The thrust of the play - the affirmation of possibility, goodness and harmony

- are what Mr Lamos finds appealing as a person, and as a director. He shares

a telling quote in the program when he writes: "Each time I have been

fortunate enough to revisit a Shakespeare text for the second time, I have

realized how much I had yet to learn about it."

The audience learns, too. For Shakespeare brings to Cymbeline echoes of past

plays, pieces of characterizations from Midsummer Night's Dream , Otello ,

Lear , Twelfth Night , Hamlet , etc, wherein dreams and sleep foretell the

future, through travails self-discovery emerges, and from deceptions one sees

into truths. Like opera, the immediate story line may seem silly, but the

themes are universal and meaningful.

This exploration of ideas, and the celebration of life and love, are most

clearly presented in this work of Shakespeare. Visually, Mr Lamos has conjured

a production that is magical and luscious. The costumes, designed by Susan

Hilferty, are a symphonic blend of tones and forms. They state clearly rank

and culture.

Shooting stars, moon and heavenly bodies dance over the seamless stage. Paul

Steinberg's magic transfers the audience from Britain to Italy, palace garden

to mountain cave. Akin to a Matisse sketch, it is all done with hints rather

than elaborate devices.

One complaint: It seems something more imaginative than just a lowered curtain

should have been used in creating the aforementioned cave. The curtain

technique did not suit the superb standard of the rest of the set design.

Flight, on various levels, is a key element of Cymbeline . The presence of

Jove (Jupiter) as the omnipotent, manipulative god-figure, enters the stage by

flying down. Mortal characters take flight, too, to other places and from

themselves.

Lighting is also a major factor. Pat Collins' reputation and many awards in

the lighting design world of theatre is evident in the effects utilized in

this production.

The cast does a stellar job, a tribute to director and actors all.

Particularly outstanding is Felicity Jones as the virtuous and stalwart

Princess. Hearing Shakespeare spoken so beautifully is always an uplifting

experience.

As her husband, Posthumus Leonatus, Rick Holmes suffers mightily from

disillusionment. But it seems that old Greek trait hubris (excessive pride and

arrogance) is what got him into difficulties to begin with.

The typical wicked stepmother, Queen, and the devilishly evil Iachimo are

malevolently acted by Christine McMurdo-Wallis and Eddy Saad, respectively.

The staging, especially the opening, is truly reminiscent of grand opera. It

forecasts the direction of Mr Lamos.