Magazine Ravage at Theatre National

Revue Ravage tells of the life and work of a vain old political figure at the end of his career who is dreading having to give up his passion, and most of all, his power. His dream is to go out with a bang, showered in crowns of laurels. Hovering around this central figure is a series of supporting characters: his wife who just wants to peacefully make the most of his retirement; his son, the crown prince; his mistress who dreams of starting anew with him at her side; and his main rival in the midst of it all.

This play explores cunning and tactics; secrets, vanity and pride; and all the facets of power with a capital “P”.

The script, written in the style of Brecht by the novelist Tom Lanoye (La Langue de ma Mère), is anything but linear. Time and place are not represented, taking leave of the beaten track. And then there’s the striking, sometimes shocking, confrontation between the musicians and the actors. The Flat Earth Society, a big band composed of fourteen musicians, plays music on stage composed by Peter Vermeersch. This is a multifaceted show that
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