This particular version of the play was originally produced by Bell Shakespeare in 2003, with a return season in 2004. Others might remember the earlier Nimrod version with Drew Forsythe. It’s set in mid 18th century Venice – or is it the middle of Sydney’s Kings Cross (note the flashing neon sign) today?
From the opening appearance of buxom, voluptuous Brighella (Katherine Cassidy) who naughtily sings to a reworking of ‘La Donna e Mobile’ from Verdi’s Rigoletto, we know we are in for a good time. Cassidy gives a magnificent performance, playing her role to the hilt and having a whale of a time.
What is most interesting, however, is how in this production the role of Truffaldino is presented as a cross-dressing /principal boy ‘trouser’ role by Jessica Leafe.
Leafe is terrific as Truffaldino – Puckish, mercurial, sparkling, fleet of foot, quick-witted and dashing all over the place; involved in complicated disguises and mix-ups and always getting into scrapes – which fortunately work out happily in the end. A most exuberant performance; and I loved her (his) wonderfully ambiguous Mozart-like outfit.
The main pair of thwarted lovers are the ‘two masters’ (a master and mistress, really) whom Truffaldino serves: the stunning Beatrice (excellently played by Mel Ashby, who also makes a convincing young man as Federigo) and her lover, the dashing, handsome and impetuous Florindo (Oliver Clarke).
The play’s other pair of lovers are Dottore’s handsome son Silvio (Andrew Sheehan), who seeks to marry Pantalone’s pretty daughter Clarice (Elizabeth Nicholls). Dottore, Silvio’s father – always pompously spouting Latin phrases – is excellently played by Robert Sharpe as a dominating busybody. His friend Pantalone, Clarice’s father, who also tries to control everything – and can in some ways be seen as a lecherous old fool – is marvellously played by Tim Hunter.
Truffaldino falls in love with Smeraldina, Clarice’s maid, who has some biting remarks about the position of women in society, and is delightfully and crazily played by Jessica Whitfield.
Director Matt Cook brings together an excellent cast and crew for this charming show. The big comic set pieces in Act Two were directed with a sure touch, and were excellently done
Cook’s set design utilizes the entire stage space of the Zenith through to the back walls, but is mostly two large movable rolling ‘flats’ with three doors each for the furious flustered entrances and exits of the cast .The costumes (by Dino Dimitriadis) are ‘timeless contemporary’ and one can see where the gender-bending confusion sets in.
Silly, witty, and exuberant, this is a most enjoyable comedy.
The Servant Of Two Masters
Adapted by Nick Enright and Ron Blair from the comedy by Carlo Goldoni
An Epicentre Theatre Company production
Directed by Matt Cook
Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
June 4 – 18
Running time: just over two hours, including interval
