|
|
|
|
|
(ear)
A sweet tale of revolution Chocolateria Hysteria Lichfield Garrick Studio **** History is brought to life in a unique and fascinating way in Rachael Pennell's Chocolateria Hysteria. Pennell, writer and director of Lucky Fin productions, is gifted in her ability to uncover women of significance in history and imaginatively portray the roles they have played. In Chocolateria Hysteria she
brings us the compelling story of six very different women living very
different lives in France in the late 1700s; a chocolate-maker, a
courtesan, the wife of a Girondist activist, the wife of a diplomat, and
actress and an aristocratic Liberal who later became the ‘It Girl' of
post-revolution France. In reality the six women depicted
are documented as being instrumental in the French Revolution but their
paths did not cross. However, unleash your imagination for a short
while and see how their story pans out. Coming together for a
common purpose; to give women a voice, seeking rights for women, calling
for a republic and the unseating of King Louis XVI, they meet in the
shadows under the cover of darkness, hidden behind hooded cloaks and in
constant fear of discovery. There are strong performances
from each cast member, Holly Berry, Carrie Hill, Rachael Penell Louise
Sweeney and Rebecca Sidwell but Pennell shines.
In Act 1 we are cleverly
introduced to four diverse characters in beautiful costume fit for the
period with their faces hidden behind masks, slowly one-by-one they
uncover their faces and we are enlightened as to their characters.
They come together in the Chocolateria owned by Pauline Leon (Louise
Sweeney); a meeting house for the rich and privileged during the day and
for revolutionaries by night. The set is minimal; two chairs and a
bookcase cleverly set the scene for the chocolate house, plus a small
writing table and chair. The dialogue moves at a pace with only a few
stumbles, the content is well researched and meaningful. Pennell's
performance is powerful. The revolution comes. The streets run red with
blood. Act 2 takes us post revolution and counter-revolution and still more unrest follows the death of the King. Pauline retreats from the movement following the uprising and the barbaric death of one woman as the revolutionaries turn on themselves. Manon is almost maniacal in her desperation for bloodshed of the revolution. But what was it all for? The fortunes of the six change and are again very different, Theroine de Mericourt is imprisoned by Leopold and eventually succumbs to madness brought about by the events that have gone before, the abuse, the men, the abandonment by her brother and the loss of her child and she ends her days incarcerated in an asylum. BRUTAL DEATH Manon's fate lays at the hands of
Madame la Guillotine. Germaine de Stael flees to Britain, Lacombe
briefly returns to the stage and Pauline (‘I live for the revolution or
I die for the revolution') marries and settles down to married life with
children. She continues to run the chocolate house, but she
never forgets the brutal death of the woman or the wonderful Theroine de
Mericourt, the courtesan who had taught her so much.
A particular pleasure lay in store at the interval
when we were treated to yummy chocolates courtesy of the production
company. But shame on the Garrick hospitality for not having hot
chocolate available, the equipment was out of service. History is mainly written by men
with a man's perspective of the times. Pennell brings history to life
from a woman's viewpoint. She captures our imagination; you dare
not drift for a moment such is the fascination of the story.
It is a pity that there was such
a poor turn out. Meanwhile, did you know? Chocolate was Napoleon's
favourite pick-me-up. Lynda Ford |
|
|
|