This production of Jean Genet (1910 - 1986)'s 1947 play about two maids who plot to kill their mistress sizzles with menace. Inspired by the true story of the Papin sisters, who in the 1930s gouged out the eyes of their mistress and her daughter, before battering them to death, it explores themes of dominance and submission, female jealousy and hysteria born out of resentment.

The opening scene sees the sisters, Solange (Claire Cordingley) and Claire (Amy De Bhrún), fire up their hatred for their beautiful, patronising mistress by acting out sado-masochistic role-plays while she is out. Both sisters are teetering on a knife-edge and swap roles and manner in a heartbeat. Claire Cordingley's character in particular is disturbing in her swift change of mood - from droning subservience to seething anger and ultimately eye-twitching madness.

Amy De Bhrún, who plays Madame in the sisters' fantasy, is equally believable as both the poised and superior mistress and the grovelling drudge. Madame, played by the suitably alluring Cecilia Colby, is no less complex than her maids. As she anxiously waits to join her lover she enrages Claire by gently laughing at her for wearing make-up, and in the space of a few minutes gives the maids her best clothes before snatching them back without a thought. The suspense mounts throughout, but the shift is in the exploration of each character - at first repulsive, but ultimately pitiable.

Cast Credits: Amy De Bhrún. Cecilia Colby. Claire Cordingley.

Company Credits: Writer - Jean Genet (1910 - 1986). Director - Helena Browne. Stage Manager - Rozie Jackson. Producer - uncredited. Company - Solas Theatre Company. Camden Fringe Credits: Directors (alpha order): Zena Barrie, Michelle Flower. Box Office: Etcetera Theatre - Malcolm Keen; Liberties - Martin Donnelly.

END

(c) Bo Wilson 2007

reviewed Tuesday 21 August 07 / Etcetera Theatre

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008