This historic Flemish play by Cyriel Buyesse has had many adaptations in its time but this one I’m certain is a first.
Valentijn Dhaenens performs this play as a one man show, quite a feat considering the play has over 10 different characters.
The Van Paemel family are poor and are struggling to keep their lives, family and lively hood afloat due to the ever increasing powers of the rich. The story delves into social, economic struggles as well as oppression, classism, and cultural shifts. Much of this play relates to the modern day world we live in now, and how far we still have to go to live in a truly equal world. Although a rather dark and hard hitting play it was a good watch and a pressing reminder of what more work must be done.
The concept for this adaptation is very modern and innovative using lots of technology which is a sharp contrast to the play itself which is set in 1903. The play uses projection and pre recorded videos to have all the characters on stage with Dhaenens. It did take me a few moments to realise that every single character that is being projected onto the house shaped screen on stage was also played by Dhaenens. The concept is really cool and exciting and a completely new way of doing things not to mention how impressive it is that Dhaenens plays every single role alongside the four physical roles he plays on stage, I can’t imagine how much work was put in to not only play these roles but to record them and put them all together.
My only issue with this concept is that it made the show lose the magic of theatre. The real life interactions and chemistry between characters was something I really missed. Without this it makes the audience loose focus and it can be difficult to keep up with the story. As all the projected characters were filmed separately even they don’t truly interact with one another so it seems very stagnant. I can understand and see the vision for this concept but I just wasn’t sure it really worked here, maybe this just isn’t the right play for it or there just needs to be a different way of formatting the projections.
The Van Paemel Family
Zoo Southside – Main House
12:40
Aug 15-20, 22-27
