A Masterful Reimagining of Strindberg’s “Creditors” – A Review
August strindberg’s “Creditors,” penned in 1889, is a play that continues to resonate with unsettling power. This revival at London’s Orange Tree Theatre, directed by Tom Littler, doesn’t just present that power – it amplifies it. The production cleverly draws parallels to Noël Coward’s “Coward’s Private Lives” (1930), both plays unfolding in hotel settings haunted by the specters of past relationships.
littler, known for his insightful work with both strindberg and Coward, understands the delicate balance between comedy and tragedy. He’s aided by a new version of the play by Howard Brenton, a tragicomic playwright in his own right, based on a literal translation by Agnes Broomé. This isn’t a dusty, academic exercise; it’s a vibrant, darkly sardonic interpretation that feels remarkably contemporary.
The Setup: Manipulation and Suspicion
The play centers on Adolf, a fragile artist grappling with both physical and mental instability. He’s attempting to sculpt a nude female figure when Gustaf,a manipulative and controlling figure,enters his life. Gustaf has already steered Adolf away from painting and now focuses his attention on Adolf’s wife, Tekla, a triumphant novelist.
Tekla is currently on a break from their holiday,fueled by accusations of infidelity. Gustaf expertly coaches Adolf on how to handle her impending return, subtly laying traps and fueling suspicion. You quickly realize, as with the Marquise de Merteuil in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” that Gustaf isn’t simply offering advice – he’s orchestrating a carefully calculated game.
A Stellar Cast Reunites
This production benefits immensely from the reunion of Charles Dance, Geraldine James, and Nicholas Farrell – a trio beloved by audiences for their work in the iconic television series, “The Jewel in the Crown.” Dance, back on stage after a 17-year absence, is magnetic. His performance is a masterclass in controlled menace, his eyes flashing with amusement and a chilling undercurrent of threat.
Farrell delivers a especially poignant performance as Adolf.He avoids the temptation to portray him as simply foolish, rather presenting a deeply pathetic figure – one that evokes genuine sympathy rather then scorn. James, as Tekla, is a revelation. She imbues the character with warmth and intelligence, subtly suggesting that she’s been unfairly maligned by the men in her life.
Navigating the Play’s Complexities
“Creditors” doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, particularly its exploration of misogyny. Gustaf’s pronouncements – like his claim that a naked woman resembles an incomplete man - are undeniably jarring. However, James’s portrayal of Tekla provides a crucial counterpoint. she emerges as the moral center of the play, a woman unjustly accused and ultimately resilient.
Strindberg’s title itself is a potent metaphor. He presents relationships as a series of debts, constantly being accrued and inevitably called in. This production expertly unpacks that grim reality, revealing the ways in wich we use and manipulate each othre in the pursuit of love and artistic validation.
Why You Should See It
This revival of “Creditors” is more than just a theatrical experience; it’s a chillingly insightful portrait of human relationships. Littler, Brenton, and the extraordinary cast have created a production that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. It’s a play that stays with you long after the curtain falls, prompting you to question your own assumptions about love, art, and the games we play.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a truly remarkable piece of theatre.
At Orange Tree theatre, London, until 11 October. [https://orangetreetheatrecouk/whats-on/creditors/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15356695373&gbraid=0AAAAADNgZcqgpYS63cWo8Sm4ltY6ycbVb&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRFRcdy75k3k0CzJqSIdAQTr5G-DjroMjEj_V6v_[https://orangetreetheatrecouk/whats-on/creditors/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15356695373&gbraid=0AAAAADNgZcqgpYS63cWo8Sm4ltY6ycbVb&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRFRcdy75k3k0CzJqSIdAQTr5G-DjroMjEj_V6v_[https://orangetreetheatrecouk/whats-on/creditors/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15356695373&gbraid=0AAAAADNgZcqgpYS63cWo8Sm4ltY6ycbVb&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRFRcdy75k3k0CzJqSIdAQTr5G-DjroMjEj_V6v_[https://orangetreetheatrecouk/whats-on/creditors/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15356695373&gbraid=0AAAAADNgZcqgpYS63cWo8Sm4ltY6ycbVb&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRFRcdy75k3k0CzJqSIdAQTr5G-DjroMjEj_V6v_