Review: Rhinoceros @ Royal Court Theatre
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Nicola Slavin, MyVillage
Review: Rhinoceros @ Royal Court Theatre
October 22, 2020
An old classic on stage at the theatre of new writing? It might not be what you’d expect from the Royal Court but Dominic Cooke’s production of Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist classic Rhinoceros is certainly relevant. Newly translated by Martin Crimp, this satire on conformity poses uncomfortable questions that are as significant for theatre audiences now as they were in 1959.
And as you might expect from the Royal Court this production does not shy away from posing those questions. When rhinoceroses first arrive in the French provincial town – represented here with a simple but effective set – the initial reaction of the townspeople is one of panic. As this minority of rhinos grows, panic turns to a fear and confusion that can only be allayed for most of the characters by joining the herd.
This fear and confusion is portrayed well: from Zawe Ashton’s Daisy, who deals with the situation by simultaneously accepting and ignoring it, to Paul Chahidi’s Dudard, who concludes that if intelligent men like the town’s Logician (Michael Begley) can do it, then the desire to turn into a rhinoceros is perfectly logical.
But it is Benedict Cumberbatch’s reluctant hero Berenger and Jasper Britton’s Jean who really demonstrate the dangers of conformity. The contrast between Cumberbatch’s Berenger, who stumbles on stage dazed and chalk-covered, and Britton’s stiff, sulky, suited-and-booted Jean is used to great effect.
The two actors work brilliantly together – their quickfire exchanges do more than justice to Crimp’s translation. As Jean’s dismay at the rhinoceroses is eroded by his desire to join them, Britton lays himself bare – literally – in a brilliant rendering of the transformation scene. Cumberbatch’s presence adds to the scene’s wholly sinister edge: Berenger’s confused resistance when compared to Jean’s embracing of this minority poses one of those uncomfortable questions – should we embrace new cultures or resist them?
In today’s climate, where minority is a term with varying connotations, that the Royal Court should be posing such questions demonstrates the theatre’s commitment to debating relevant issues. And, in the case of Rhinoceros, it does this whilst producing well-acted and thoughtful productions.
Highly recommended
You can see Rhinoceros at the Royal Court until December 15. For bookings call 02075655000 or visit www.royalcourttheatre.com
Photo courtesy of Keith Pattison
