Mies Julie
Classic Stage Company
February 2, 2019
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| Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company |
Classic
Stage Company is presenting an adaptation of Miss Julie as part of their production of “Two 19th
Century Strindberg Plays in Repertory.” Mies Julie is written by Yael
Farber. This passionate adaptation takes
place on Freedom Day, 2012 in a farmhouse kitchen in Eastern Cape-Karoo, South
Africa. Shariffa Ali directs this cast
of four powerful actors with a visceral understanding of their needs, motivations,
and desires.
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| Elise Kibler & James Udom Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company |
While
Julie (played by Elise Kibler) dances with the workers of her father’s farm,
Christine (played by Patrice Johnson Chevannes) scrubs the floors and cooks a
concoction that will do away with the unborn pups of Julie’s pedigree hound. Julie’s engagement has been broken off and
her future and safety are in questions.
She seduces Christine’s son, John (played by James Udom). He confesses his love for her, but knows his
place as a hired hand. Julie convinces
John to leave with her, but he will not leave his mother behind. Christine is haunted by spirits of her
ancestors who were buried on the property before the land was confiscated by
Julie’s father and the farmhouse was built.
They hold her to the place. As
the power shifts, a rash decision is made in the heat of an emotional moment.
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| James Udom & Elise Kibler Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company |
The
chemistry between Elise Kibler and James Udom is palpable. This is vital to the storyline, and these two
actors deliver genuine moments of lustful, heated opposition. The clashes between them are truthful and
grounded in deep emotion. Both of their
characters are deeply conflicted. They are
driven by strong desire that propels them forward, yet hindered by need and
fear that roots them in place.
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| Patrice Johnson Chevannes & James Udom Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company |
Patrice Johnson Chevannes delivers a potent portrayal of Christine. This character is the reminder to both Julie
and John of where their loyalties must lie.
Just as John is about to leave with Julie, one look from Christine
reminds him of his obligations and place in society. Ms. Chevannes has the presence to pull this
off with strong and subtle authenticity.
This
production boils over with the vitality and desire of Strindberg’s classic
play. The impact of this adaptation is
in its seventy-five minute running time.
Mies Julie is playing at
Classic Stage Company in rep with a new version of The Dance of Death through March 10.
Domenick Danza
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