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The Review - THEATRE by DEBORAH LEBOURG
Published: 23 August 2007

Bluebeard uncovered

BLUEBEARD
Lion and Unicorn Theatre

THIS adaptation of Max Frisch’s novel tells the story of Dr Felix Schaad (Geir Kellen) after his trial for the murder of his sixth ex-wife and prostitute Rozalind (Daniella Joseph).
He is haunted by the memories of the trial, the thoughts of Rozalind with her lover (Joshua Antwi) and his own sexual frustration.
The accuser (Tanya Ann Powell) brings in his ex-wives to testify – some do so more convincingly than others – and he is acquitted due to lack of proof.
The performance starts with a dance involving all the ex-wives. They are dressed in a way (a ballet dancer, a school girl, a corporate woman, etc) which might symbolise Felix’s repressed fantasies. A man in a cape, later revealed as The Lover, enters and
flagellates them in turn. When he comes to Rozalind, he strangles her with a tie.
Each hearing is followed by Felix’s reflection on the accusation or by a dance, where The Lover eventually appears, as though to symbolise Felix’s sexual frustration or inadequacy, and makes love to Rozalind before strangling her.
The musical elements were clumsy at times and the set was not overly inventive, but this eerie tale of love, lust and guilt is bold and original. Daniella Joseph makes for a sensual Rozalind and Geir Kellen is convincing as the ambiguous Felix. Expect full female frontal nudity, and a lot of biceps.
Booking until September 2
020 7482 0850

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