Jane McGowan basks in the romance and lyricism of the Rose Theatre’s production of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – a wartime tale of passion, pain and the power of the human spirit...
OUR VERDICT
When Louis de Berniere’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin hit the bookshops more than 25 years ago, it took the world by storm. I, along with millions of others rushed out to buy a copy, devouring the Cephalonia-set epic in almost one sitting.
The first section of the novel, while introducing us to the philosophical physician Dr Iannis and his beautiful but headstrong daughter Pelagia, also recounts the background of the region’s struggles: the complex Mediterranean political scene, Italy’s invasion of Albania and of Carlo, a young soldier fighting his feeling for his comrade Francesco.
At the time, a lot of people said they skipped or skim-read those first few chapters in a bid to get to the ‘real story’ and the romance. But, you can’t fully understand or appreciate the love story without first seeing what has gone before and what makes the characters act the way they do.
I was very pleased to discover therefore that this production, expertly adapted by the award-winning Rona Munro, does not shy away from this critical section, offering the audience a real insight into the lives and minds of the islanders pre-occupation and of their reluctant oppressors.
And so the play begins with a love story – that of Carlo and his brother at arms Francesco. Sadly their feelings are only requited in Francesco’s final moments, but we are given an understanding of Carlo’s character and selflessness that will come into play much later in the story. Meanwhile, back on the Cephalonia, Pelagia has succumbed to the charms of handsome fisherman Mandras, against the wishes of his mother who sees nothing of her would-be daughter-in-law’s intelligence only the fact that her housekeeping skills are not worthy of her only son.
And so it goes until war is declared and the island is besieged by Italian and German forces. Iannis and his daughter are forced to share their home with Captain Corelli – a charismatic musician, whose eyes are firmly set on the beauty of the world, rather than the reality of what his countrymen are capable of. Inevitably, Pelagia falls for the Captain, the antithesis of her (supposed) dead fiancé. And while their relationship is dangerous during the occupation, the doomed nature of their love seems sealed once the Italians become the focus of the German attack, following Mussolini’s capitulation.
To give away any further plot details would be a shame, but all I will say is that the only thing that lets this play down (as in the novel) is the ending. Corelli’s behaviour after the war just doesn’t add up and no matter how one tries to reconcile his love for music with his love for Pelagia, it is frankly nonsensical. It also drags a bit (again as in the novel) after the wartime climax and at over 2.5 hours, enough is sometimes enough.
The cast, however, is magnificent. When I interviewed Rona Munro recently, she said she never had a vision of what the characters looked like and that it was the job of the actors to ‘be’ those characters – this has certainly been accomplished here. Joseph Long is sublime as the sensible and sensitive doctor, while newcomer Madison Clare is excellent as his intelligent, talented and ultimately thwarted daughter Pelagia. Her performance delivers everything from coquettish teen to embittered pensioner, as we watch her hopes, aspirations and talent drain from her as life gets in the way time and time again. Her whimsical lover – the eponymous Captain is again beautifully captured by Alex Mugnaioni and although he doesn’t really appear until the second half, you can certainly see what Pelagia finds so attractive about this Renaissance man.
There is too much to say as this really is an epic dealing with themes of war, politics, homosexuality, gender equality and so on. But all are beautifully and subtlety touched upon.
The ingenious set design by Mayou Trikerioti is also deserving of a mention as is Melly Still’s masterful direction that keeps this sprawling story in check.
Overall this production of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a warm and engaging tale of everyday lives played out against extraordinary events; of love, loss and a lifetime of regrets. Quite simply, you will regret it if you don’t.
Dates: 23 Apr - 12 May
Venue: Rose Theatre, Kingston
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