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A poetic glimpse into a troubled genius’ mind and life.Summary
Rating
Good
The tempestuous relationship between Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine has long captivated the literary world. Their passionate affair, marked by brilliance and volatility, serves as the backdrop for 555: Verlaine En Prison, a production that delves into one of the most tumultuous periods of Verlaine’s life.
The play opens with a compelling scene where Rimbaud, brought to life by Anna Sideris, is testifying against Verlaine (Logan Lopez Gonzalez) in court. This powerful juxtaposition immediately highlights the central conflict of Verlaine’s character – his poetic genius set against his violent, temperamental nature. The title refers to the 555 days Verlaine spent imprisoned, a sentence that persisted even after his lover retracted the accusation.
Drawing directly from contemporary letters and the poets’ own works, the production starts strongly, grounding itself in historical authenticity. The very sparse set (a single chair) and very few props (letters between the characters) allow the performances and the poetry to take centre stage.
The collaboration between Sideris, who skilfully portrays all side characters, and Gonzalez is a standout element of the production. Their synergy is palpable, conveyed through both Sideris’ nuanced acting and Gonzalez’s emotive singing. The intimate nature of the Arcola Theatre allows the audience to fully appreciate the detailed body language and subtle interactions between the performers, adding depth to each scene.
However, the play’s narrow focus on Verlaine alone becomes a thematic weakness. There’s a weird attempt to build sympathy by having him be the only character to speak his deepest thoughts, yet all his actions portray a violent, unstable man. By sidelining the experiences of Mathilde and Rimbaud, the production misses an opportunity to explore the full complexity of Verlaine’s relationships and the far-reaching consequences of his actions.
The musical aspect of the production is where it truly shines. Set to the compositions of Debussy, Hahn, and Fauré, the performance features a selection of songs that beautifully render Verlaine’s words in their original French, accompanied by English subtitles. This approach is elevated by Gonzalez’s remarkably adaptable countertenor singing. Alongside pianist Stella Marie Lorenz, he delivers a series of nuanced, captivating performances that bring Verlaine’s poetry to life.
While the musical elements are undoubtedly impressive, they sometimes overshadow the theatrical aspects, giving the production the feel of a concert rather than a fully realised opera. This balance may disappoint those expecting a more traditional theatrical experience but will likely delight aficionados of Verlaine’s work and French art song.
555: Verlaine En Prison offers a unique, if somewhat limited, perspective on one of France’s most celebrated and controversial poets. While it may not provide a comprehensive exploration of Verlaine’s life and relationships, it succeeds in creating a haunting, poetic atmosphere that captures the essence of his artistic spirit. For lovers of French poetry and music, this production provides a rare opportunity to experience Verlaine’s words brought to life in a truly immersive way.
Presented by: Green Opera
Written by: Logan Lopez Gonzalez & Eleanor Burke
Directed by: Eleanor Burke
Lighting Design by: Cheng Keng
Pianist: Stella Marie Lorenz
T555: Verlaine En Prison has finished its run at the Arcola Theatre.
