Pride and Prejudice – An Adaptation of Lyrics and Music, Melbourne Arts Center

Written in 1796 and published in 1813, when Jane Austen was still in her early 20s. Pride and Prejudice It is the author’s most popular work and has never been out of print. This novel of manners has fascinated readers through the ages with its witty and scathing examination of social mores, as well as its intersecting explorations of class, gender, and money in a patriarchal world where a woman’s financial security and quality of life depend entirely on marriage. Alright.

The book is also arguably the best romantic comedy ever written, with the argument between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy sparking and inspiring endless adaptations and sequels across all forms of media. (Bridget Jones’s Diary is probably the best-known modern tribute, but Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is one of the strangest literary spin-offs).

After a season at the Sydney Opera House, the makers of this iteration have preserved it safely and respectfully to respect Austen’s time and aesthetic; There are no brain-eating monsters here. Instead, it takes place in a staid drawing room, the epicenter of many Austen dramas. Into this Regency country house setting comes Nadine Garner, who impressed audiences in Melbourne with her latest role. Sometimes God Almighty.

However, before Garner takes the stage, the audience is greeted by pianist Daniel Le and violinist Madeleine Easton; the second gives us a brief biographical lesson about the life and times of the author. Together, the musicians play a variety of classical scores written in Austen’s time by Schubert, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn, then lead with the famous opening rhythms composed by Carl Davis. Janenites You will recognize it from the 1995 BBC TV series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

Thus the stage and context were set for Garner, who entered in an androgynous, long, velvety gray frock coat, waistcoat, and riding boots, and delivered the oft-quoted opening statement from a large leather-bound volume: “This is a truth universally acknowledged.” “A single man who has a good fortune must need a wife.”

Just reading Garner’s witty, dry expression guarantees we’re in for a good night. She is giving a public reading, a common form of diversion in Austen’s time when people gathered around the fire for after-dinner entertainment.

Garner is a hugely impressive performer, and she races through the next hour in a heavily abbreviated version of the film. Pride and Prejudicehe changes his voice and stance as he battles the main players (note especially Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh as Garner transforms from crouching and sniveling to imperious and proud). The reading is a mixture of the original text and modern anachronisms.

Le and Easton, meanwhile, join Garner in making the most of the space on the small and intimate Fairfax stage, which is tastefully furnished with oil paintings of still life, landscapes and portraits. He moves between a small table, a lounge chair, and a lectern. We forgive his enthusiasm if he exaggerates a little and sometimes caricatures; His delivery is sharp, his physicality striking as he leans into the wry humor of the text. He doesn’t read much from the book, he gets emotional from it; This is a dramatic performance, after all.

To read: Theater review: PuzzleDunstan Theater

Paying homage to Austen, these three creators deliver 90 minutes of captivating entertainment that any fan of the author will appreciate. Frankly, its short length precludes an in-depth study of the book, but seeing this lively adaptation might inspire you to return for a reread.

Pride and Prejudice: An Adaptation of Lyrics and Music
Presented by Spiritworks & Theater Tours International
Direction: Tyran Parke.
Book Adaptation: Gill Hornby

Pride and Prejudice It will be held until October 6, 2024.