Written by David Hare
Directed by Karina
Hudson
Mockingbird Theatre
The Courtyard,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 5 August
Reviewed by Len Power
27 July 2018
Over 100 years since his death, Oscar Wilde remains well-known
with his four plays still frequently performed and the scandalous event that
ruined his life dramatized in several movies and plays.
‘The Judas Kiss’, written in 1998 by David Hare, focusses on
the two year period after Wilde’s conviction for gross indecency in 1895. Even though he has been given the opportunity
to leave England before the authorities catch up with him, his lover, Lord
Alfred Douglas, convinces him not to leave, resulting in his jailing for two
years. In Naples, Italy in 1897, after
being released from prison, the broken and unwell Wilde and Douglas have
resumed their liaison but the relationship is strained.
Mockingbird Theatre first performed this play in Melbourne in
2014 with Chris Baldock in the role of Oscar Wilde. The play has been remounted in Canberra as
Mockingbird’s first production in this city.
Under the direction of Karina Hudson, Baldock repeats his role and the
other roles are played by local Canberra actors.
David Hare’s play captures the spirit of the times and the
man and his friendships very well. Chris
Baldock gives a towering performance as Oscar Wilde. He displays every aspect of this man whose
wit and intelligence is fatally clouded by his obsession with a young man. His performance is thoroughly believable and ultimately
very moving.
Anna Senior has again excelled with the period costumes and
director, Karina Hudson, who also designed the simple set, keeps the dialogue
heavy play flowing at a good pace. The
tension between the characters is maintained very well. Some passages in the dialogue could have easily
become melodramatic but Hudson ensures that the delivery stays realistic
throughout.
The director has obtained fine performances from her entire
cast. Liam Jackson gives a strong performance
of great depth as the petulant, arrogant and spoiled Lord Alfred Douglas and
Patrick Galen-Mules is very convincing as Robert Ross, the voice of reason
ignored by Wilde. Meaghan Stewart, Cole
Hilder, Arran McKenna and Benjamin Balte Russell all give nicely detailed
characterisations in their supporting roles.
‘The Judas Kiss’ was a good choice as a first production in
Canberra by Mockingbird Theatre. We are very
lucky to have work of this quality presented by talented local theatre
practitioners.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast in his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.