Photo: Marek Dusza
Robin Hawdon, one of the most popular English writers of comedy and farce working today (Perfect Wedding, Shady Business etc.), wrote his new play A Surfeit of Lovers especially for
Krystyna Janda. The Polish theatre directing star will be fulfilling her end of the bargain by providing the audience and playing the lead role. Hawdon included the following dedication in his text: "in honour of Georges Feydeau" - the father of French farce.
One brief slip of the tongue is enough to spoil even the most meticulously planned of weekends. Plans fall apart like a house of cards, amassing in an avalanche of misunderstanding and complication. Clarice, taking advantage of her husband's departure out of town, invites two men called R. One is her lover. The other is an effeminate interior designer planning to re-design the décor of the house, unbeknown to her husband and against his wishes.When Clarice overhears a phone call made by her husband, it becomes clear that she is not the only one with hidden plans for the weekend. In a mad play of one-upmanship and even madder characters, an endless series of guests begin to call at their home. Countless lovers (from both sides) gather at a furious pace.
"Solving the mystery of who is with whom is very simple, although the way in which this farce is played out is very sharp", says Krystyna Janda. "That's why I've asked a load of experienced actors to take part, who can really get to grips with the dialogue and conventions."
- Robin Hawdon's A Surfeit of Lovers. Translation: Elżbieta Woźniak. Director: Krystyna Janda. Set design: Maciej Maria Putowski. Costume: Tomasz Ossoliński. Starring: Krystyna Janda, Katarzyna Gniewkowska / Aleksandra Justa, Piotr Borowski, Lech Łotocki / Cezary Żak, Piotr Machalica, Jacek Poniedziałek / Rafał Mohr. Premiere: November 27, 2010.
Och-Theatre
65 Grójecka Street, 02-094 Warsaw
tel. (+48) 22 589 52 01 (tickets)
tel. (+48) 22 589 52 02 (office)
www.ochteatr.com.pl
Source: Press materials, www.ochteatr.com.pl