Dorian Grey at Teatre Romea Review
Written by Laura for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Catalan theatre seems to have caught the one-person play bug. Only a few months after Vània, Teatre Romea presents us with a one-woman Dorian Gray. In fact, there are three male actors on stage, but most of the characters are played by the same person.
The show opened with an introduction by Oscar Wilde as she tried to vindicate her novel, with short interjections between scenes or during more complex dialogue, which made the play completely understandable. At no point was I confused about who was talking. Of course, that’s not only due to the script, but also due to the actress herself, Àngels Gonyalons. A staple of Catalan theatre after many years onstage, she showcased her acting skills to the max. I particularly loved her portrayal of Henry, and how she played into her own feminine sexuality and worked it into the character flawlessly. Every character was distinct not only physically, but also through subtle differences in their speaking and singing voices.
Jordi Vidal, Pau Oliver and Pol Blancafort formed a male trio that accompanied Gonyalons throughout the play. At different moments they became minor characters, helped transform the stage, or supported the musical numbers, giving Gonyalons someone to play against in the more intense scenes. I absolutely loved how well their voices blended.
There was a string quintet playing onstage, and some of the musicians got to interact with the characters for a bit too, which made for an interesting change of pace. The music, composed by Jordi Cornudella, was beautiful and haunting, and it was a perfect match for Gonyalons’s voice. Some of the songs are available on YouTube, but I hope they get to release a full album!
The Teatre Romea is lovingly adapted for people with reduced mobility with great seats, which I did not opt for this time, and still a lovely member of staff saw me with a cane and personally walked me to my seat after offering a seat change if I needed it. I cannot praise the staff enough; everyone is very kind and accommodating. One thing I think they could do with this play is include a warning for flashing lights, as there were a couple of intense scenes that included them.
My first thought after the show was, “Oscar Wilde would have loved this,” which I think is a testament to the care and thought that went into putting the play together.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in 1890. However, its themes are still very relevant today: how easily we are influenced by standards of youth and beauty, and how we judge and interact with art. The play successfully expands on them in a modern and tasteful way that elevates the show into something that feels like a true work of art. Judging by the standing ovation at the end, I certainly wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Dorian Gray will be playing at Teatre Romea until August 2nd.
★★★★★
