DON
CARLOS is the final production of Sheffield Theatre's current
Associate Director MICHAEL GRANDAGE, and what a production to
go out on. This is a magnificent piece of theatre. If you don't
read another word of this review, take this advice - see it.
It really is hard to find fault with this production. The play
is emotionally rich, intellectually rigorous and austerely beautiful.
The action centres around the relationship between King Philip
II of Spain (contemporary of Elizabeth I and responsible for the
ill-fated Armada) and his son and heir Don Carlos. It may not
be accurate history, but it is a fascinating examination of power,
corruption, idealism and the struggle between tyranny and humanity.
The play, in MIKE POULTON's new translation, is full of contemporary
relevance.
At the centre of the production is a towering performance from
DEREK JACOBI as Philip. He may be a cruel and bloody tyrant, he
may be a cold and distant father, he may be a heartless manipulator,
but JACOBI never loses sight of the lonely, sad, bitter human
being trapped by his sense of duty and seduced by almost limitless
power. It is a complex, layered performance of great control and
subtlety. He is ably supported by a very fine cast. RICHARD
COYLE is excellent as the idealistic, naive, emotional
DON CARLOS. ELLIOT COWAN's Roderigo is all that Philip is not
- humane, generous, driven by a passion for justic and reform.
COWAN makes him an attractive, energetic figure. This is a world
in which women have little power. CLAIRE PRICE and CHARLOTTE RANDLE
are excellent as the spirited Queen Elizabeth (of Spain, that
is, not England) and the tragic Princess Eboli. UNA STUBBS gives
a lovely cameo as the waspish Duchess of Olivarez.
CHRISTOPHER ORAM's essentially monochrome design is stark, striking
and stunningly effective. It is simple and practical, and coupled
with PAULE CONSTABLE's lighting creates moments of exquisite beauty.
The direction (MICHAEL GRANDAGE) is lucid and intelligent throughout.
This is a complex 18th century German play, but the production
was consistently compelling, exciting and crystal clear.
This is your last chance (for a while at least) to see a MICHAEL
GRANDAGE production on the Crucible stage. Take it, DON CARLOS
is far too good to miss.
