Weak Edward at The Rose Theatre

Weak Edward at The Rose Theatre

21 April, 2011
by: JoSuthers

Jo Sutherland reviews a modern comedy take on Marlowe's classic tragedy Edward II

Weak Edward (Eduardo, el débil) is a modern tragicomedy based on the old Christopher Marlowe tragedy of Edward II, King of England at the beginning of the 14th Century. Set in Latin America, Weak Edward tells the story of a spoiled dictator who desperately tries to play the part of King, but is thwarted by his ‘strange habits’ that don't match the prototypical idea of a masculine, strong, Latino leader.

Eduardo is in love with his dearest friend Gustavo. The two engage in an illicit and steamy affair which involves eroticallyr digesting a lot of fruit. Eduardo's wife, Isabella, clambers for attention, but fails to seduce him and is forced to take action against her abusive and violent husband… in order to save the country, of course. Eduardo soon pays the social cost of his illegal love.

Written by Constanza Hola Chamy and directed by Diego Poupin, the production incorporates ensemble acting, melodrama, physical theatre and music. The show is original and staged with innovation, considering the challenges of the Rose, which, although always full of character and atmosphere, is limited in terms of space. The actors effortlessly meander around the stage and auditorium, using every corner available.

With the exception of Dan Van Garrett's captivating portrayal of Gustavo, the female performances definitely stand out above the male ones. Manipulative, cunning and masculine in nature; the ladies clearly wear the trousers – never more obviously than when, during armpit and bikini waxes, plans are made to shift the power in their direction. Particular praise goes to Lisa Depuis for her energy, stage presence and comic timing, and to Elizabeth Bloom, who is hilarious on various levels and manages to warm the audience with her character’s malicious heart. It's quite a feat.

The production is well paced, energetic and visually engaging. But there are a lot of emphatic gestures that appear to come from nowhere. Though lively, these animated actions are somewhat distracting, and consequently the dialogue is forced to take a back seat.

Humorous and slightly odd, this take on a Marlowe classic is genuinely funny on several occasions, although those unfamiliar with the original may be a bit confused. And some areas seem overplayed and slightly indulgent – especially during the exotic fruit-eating scene. Although funny at first, it seems to go on forever. But not everything is always going to work in such an imaginative show. Moments that spring out include a retaliating ninja protecting Eduardo’s prison cell; a death by an ‘Edward’ version of a Henry Hoover; and some good ol' slapstick lesbianism.

As playwright Constanza Hola Chamy says, “if you laugh when they weep and you weep when they laugh, then we have done a good job”. And on those grounds, Weak Edward is certainly a success. 

Weak Edward runs at The Rose Theatre until 30th April. 

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JoSuthers