Review: The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant
Notorious German writer and filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder made the film version of his own play, Die Bitteren Tranen der Petra von Kant (The Bitter Tears Of Petra von Kant) in 1972. It is gaudy and uber camp, with melodrama and contrived dialogue tossed about like leopard print cushions on a white vinyl lounge.
Bringing a translated, updated iteration to the stage and making it credible and relevant is a challenge – not least because the original play was not especially well-written. The current production at the Old Fitz Theatre is an admirable if not completely successful attempt.
The all-female cast are each exemplary in their roles. Sara Wiseman in the central role of fashion designer, Petra, has little down time as she negotiates a meandering path towards disintegration. Taylor Ferguson is Karin, a minx in lamb’s clothing, wannabe model and the object of Petra’s intense and only briefly requited infatuation. Petra meets Karin in the first scene, has an instant attraction, follows through with unsubtle, predatory advances and has completely seduced Karin by the end of the scene. The following scene opens with the relationship already in decline and done and dusted by the end of the scene.
The rest of the script is driven by Petra’s tortured heartache, which is hard to take given we had little opportunity to invest in the relationship.
Petra’s servant, Marlene – silent, submissive, tragically devoted – is played with rigid stoicism by Matilda Ridgway. Producer Eloise Snape is the comic relief in Petra’s best friend, Sidonie. Judith Gibson is Petra’s bemused mother, Valerie. But the breath of fresh air is the vivacious and most “real” character Gabrielle, played by young, star-destined actress Mia Rorris.
The set is dark and minimalist, expanded by a fully mirrored wall on one side and lighted by floor bulbs, with a meaningful flat-bed couch at centre.
It’s a good production with strong performances making the best of an ordinary script. (RB)
Until Nov 12 (Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm). Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $28-$33. Tickets & info: www.oldfitztheatre.com
BY RITA BRATOVICH
