What's on Stage
by Simon Tavener, Oxford Playhouse, 11 March 2009

There will be those who could be put off by the idea of attending a 17th Century play based on Greek myths performed in the original French. They should not be - it is one of those experiences that anyone with even a passing interest in great drama should not miss. Cheek by Jowl are one of the more important theatre companies in the world today. They may not be the most prolific but everything they do is intelligent, arresting and profoundly moving. I can hardly believe that it is five years since I saw their production of Othello (also at the Oxford Playhouse) - an evening which has become a benchmark in my mind for what good theatre should be. Declan Donnellan’s direction was pitch-perfect. There is a clarity and directness in his vision that shines forth and illuminates the text. We are constantly aware of the artificial nature of theatre, of the art - but we are completely taken into the world he and his team have created and are lead straight to the emotional core of the text. Andromaque is the work that brought Racine to national prominence back in the seventeenth century (and was also the play that saw Cheek by Jowl emerge as a national force). Written in alexandrine verse, it might, at first sight, appear daunting and complex - but the cast use the rhythmic impetus of the text and the glorious soundworld evoked by the French language to break down any resistance the audience might have to joining them on this journey. Yes, there are subtitles but so hypnotic are the performances that you do not need to follow every word to know exactly what is going on. All of the actors in the small ensemble contributed impeachable performances. Every detail was considered and every word used to maximum effect. It is almost churlish to single out any of the nine actors but I was most captivated by Camille Japy as Hermione and Xavier Boiffier (Oreste). Visually, we are presented with a stripped out theatre with just some simple chairs. With such minimal resources, Donnellan and his team work some sort of theatrical magic. We have all we need within this empty space for the play to come to life. The lighting and other effects are used to shape our responses and there are a couple of moments where you could feel the entire audience gasp at the beauty which had just been created with such simple means. Writing such a positive review is somewhat of a double-edged sword. I want to share my enthusiasm and passion for excellence but wish not to come over as gushing. With this production, I really don’t care if anyone thinks I am too positive - it really is that good. I have absolutely no reservation in recommending this production to anyone who loves theatre. It is an outstanding piece of work - possibly the best play I have seen in the recent years. Brilliant.