The Venetian Twins at Theatre National

It’s 1745 in Verona. With a trompe-l’œil set, so distinctly bourgeois, lively characters and, of course, a touch of Commedia dell’Arte.

This is pure Goldoni. Schemes and conflicts, plot twists and betrayals abound. And, above all, rich and expressive language.

Mathias Simons’ direction of The Venetian Twins takes the play a step further than Goldini. Revisited, minimalist and unbelievably modern, the play tells the tortuous tale of two brothers, Zanetto et Tonetto (a duel role magnificently portrayed by Fabrice Murgia) and a host of colourful characters: Béatrice the lover, Lelio the suitor, Pancrace the confessing friend, the valets Arlequin and Colombine just to mention a few. There’s a fair share of misunderstandings, muddles, public confessions and who’s-who conundrums to be had.

The Venetian Twins is a disturbingly relevant play (touching on subjects such as lust for money, sex and power) that provides two hours of entertainment and somewhat awkward hilarity. From the staging to the set design and costumes, nothing is overlooked. Underneath the rhythmic staccato lies a play that strives to be “an examination of the mystery of theatre”, Mathias Simons points out. Theatre as it reflects real life along with its deceptive reality and violent contradictions.

“Two delicious Murgias for the price of one… Fabrice Murgia’ performance is breath-taking… beautiful scenery, stimulating stage direction. Let’s not deny ourselves the pleasure of laughing at ourselves and our own vices when we have such wonderful actors as our guides.” La Libre Belgique