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La Bete by David Hirson
Directed by Bob Callender
Performances: Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st February 2009, Prompt Corner
La Bête is an exuberant comic whirlwind of a play, set in France in 1654 amongst the court theatrical troupe of the playwright Elomire. Their patron, the Prince Conti, feels the group's work has grown stale. So when he sees the troubadour Valere clowning in the town square, the Prince decides that Valere is just what's needed to re-invigorate the company and make its work more fun and accessible. But the principled Elomire has other ideas.
The American playwright, David Hirson, has pulled off a staggering work. A whip-smart comedy in rhymed couplets throughout, where high art and low, philosophy and slapstick, literature and pantomime contend for the crown of truth. The title, "La Bête", means "the beast" or "the fool", and as Elomire and Valere battle it out in front of the Prince, it's left up to the audience to decide what's what and who's who.
"La Bête" won the Olivier award for best comedy in 1992.
Cast
Members of the Troupe:
Elomire - Jon Creighton
Bejart - David Lomas
Madeleine Bejart - Fiona Daffern
De Brie - Ran Bradu
Catherine de Brie - Caroline Durrant
Rene du Park - James Hough
Marquise-Therese du Park - Melanie Duignan
Valere - Steve Imrie
Prince Conti - Peter Stevens
Dorine - Kristy Davis
For more details, please contact Bob Callender, Director
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