Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Tue 27 June – Sat 1 July
Based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic Gothic narrative, and following an acclaimed season at the National Theatre, Sally Cookson’s Jane Eyre will be arriving at the Wales Millennium Centre this June. Devised as part of a collaboration between the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, the production depicts the well-known bildungsroman in an innovative and imaginative way, featuring wooden sets that allow for ease of movement for the actors, and fluidity between scenes, transporting the audience between various locations effortlessly.
The story centres around the titular Jane Eyre, an intelligent young woman, whose life thus far has seen her witness trauma. Living as an orphan in her cruel aunt’s house, she is sent to Lowood School, an educational establishment presided over by the formidable Mr Brocklehurst, in which discipline and ardent religion shape the curriculum. Leaving the school as a young woman having survived the puritanical nature of the establishment, Jane gains employment as a governess, and through her occupation, becomes embroiled in the life of her employer Mr Rochester. Finding herself intrigued by the man who treats her as an intellectual equal, Jane struggles with status and society. Self-professed as ‘poor, plain and little’ she believes herself to be no equal to her much-admired employer.
The narrative focuses on the burgeoning relationship between Jane and Mr Rochester, as well as her desire to discover the root cause of the mysterious noises and incidents that take place in Rochester’s home. Starring Melanie Marshall as Jane and Felix Hayes as Mr Rochester, the production has received much praise for its unusual and inventive set and sound design, featuring an onstage band ensuring that the music is at the forefront of the production. A first-person narrative is often difficult to represent onstage, but under Sally Cookson’s direction, it’s made engaging and empathetic.
Having enjoyed a hugely successful run, Jane Eyre’s tour has been much anticipated and should not be missed. Cookson’s direction affords a rare opportunity to see a well-known classic that is both faithful to its source in tone and intention, while ensuring it is infused with new life.
Tickets: £11 – £37. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
words SIOBHAN DENTON