Difference between revisions of "Dog in the Manger (2011)"

Revision as of 19:05, 30 November 2010

Poster by Poster Designer

by Lope de Vega

Directed by Mark Ireson

Performances: Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 April 2011, Prompt Corner

Introduction

Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have?

Diana, the independent, headstrong and beautiful Countess of Belflor, is a woman in the habit of seeing off the various men in pursuit of her hand, until she finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to her personal secretary, Teodoro. This is not a union that the rigid society they inhabit would readily permit, and things are complicated further by Teodoro's existing relationship with Marcela, one of Diana's ladies in waiting.

Suspecting Diana's feelings for him, Teodoro is quick to cast aside Marcela, who is not best pleased. Nor are Diana's current suitors, the pompous Federico and Ricardo; when they discover where Diana's affections really lie, they soon hatch a scheme to dispose of Teodoro. They unwittingly hire Tristan, Teodoro’s lackey, as the assassin, who takes their money but manages to dupe the Duke Ludovico into thinking that Teodoro is his long lost son. Ludovico gains a son, Teodoro a title, Diana a husband, and they all live happily(…ish) ever after.

David Johnston’s fast paced translation (commissioned for the RSC without a thee or thou in sight) brings out the intelligence and comedy of Lope de Vega's bittersweet satire of lust, class, jealousy and love for a modern audience.

The characters are as follows with some idea of playing ages, although I am more concerned that the characters look right in their couples, so playing ages should only be taken as an indication.

Diana, Countess of Belflor (F, 25 to 45) Beautiful, intelligent, arrogant, headstrong. A part to really get your teeth into.

Teodoro, her secretary (M, 30 to 50, probably a similar age to Diana) Ardent lover of Marcela, or so he would have us believe. Has an eye to the main chance when Diana shows interest.

Tristan, Teodoro's lackey (M, 20 to 40, younger than Teodoro) Quick-witted and manages to save the day with a cunning plan. A great comedy part

Octavio, her old steward (M, elderly)

Fabio, her servant (M, 25 to 50)

Marcela, her lady in waiting (F, 20 to 40) Strong willed, seeks her revenge on Teodoro when he drops her

Anarda, her lady in waiting (F, 20 to 40)

Dorotea, her lady in waiting (F, 20 to 40)

The Marquis Ricardo (M, 25 to 50, probably a similar age to Diana) An aristocratic fop, would be suitor to Diana

Celio, his servant (M, any age)

Count Federico, Diana's cousin (M, 25 to 50, probably a similar age to Diana) Another aristocratic fop and would be suitor to Diana

Leonido, his servant (M, any age)

Count Ludovico (M, old enough to be Teodoro’s father) lost his son at sea many years ago

Camilo, his advisor (M, 40 to 60)

Antonello, a lackey (M, any age)

Furio, a lackey (M, any age)

Lirano, a lackey (M, any age)

A page (M or F) Very small part – can be doubled or played by ASM

Cast

• Diana, Countess of Belflor - Actor 1
• Teodoro, her secretary - Actor 2
• Tristan, Teodoro's lackey - Actor 3
• Octavio, her old steward - Actor 1
• Fabio, her servant - Actor 2
• Anarda, her lady in waiting - Actor 3
• Dorotea, her lady in waiting - Actor 1
• Marcela, her lady in waiting - Actor 2
• The Marquis Ricardo - Actor 3
• Celio, his servant - Actor 1
• Count Frederico, Diana's cousin - Actor 2
• Leonido, his servant - Actor 3
• Count Ludovico -
• Camilo, his advisor
• Antonello, a lackey
• Furio, a lackey
• Lirano, a lackey

Crew

• Stage Manager - Graham Clements
• Lighting Design - Mike Elliott
• Lighting Operator - Operator Name
• Costumes - Emma Kerby-Evans

Reviews

Some review quotes go here

Gallery

Reminiscences and Anecdotes

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See Also

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References

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External Links

• This play on the web