Forbidden lust, betrayal and revenge: Bell Shakespeare’s Phèdre

Continuing Bell Shakespeare’s flirtation with French classical theatre, it’s the archetypal story of love, betrayal, humiliation, despair and death, played for a whole new audience.

Bell Shakespeare brings to life the rarely told French classic by Jean Racine, Phèdre, starring acclaimed actress Catherine McClements, in Sydney until June 29th.

“The story of Phèdre is a classic love triangle. It’s secrets and lies, forbidden love and the destruction of innocence,” says Director Peter Evans. Evans’ decision to produce Phèdre, however, is part of Bell Shakespeare’s continued interest in expanding the Company’s repertoire. “To the Europeans, the story of Phèdre is like our Hamlet,” says Evans, but, he continues, “[Most] won’t know this story, and that’s exciting.”

Evans is particularly excited with the casting of Catherine McClements (Water Rats, Rush, The Secret Life of Us), whom he first saw perform as a NIDA student. “I wanted an actor that was brave. She is one of this country’s most incisive and powerful actors… It’s right for her – it’s raw, and exposed.”

Alongside her are Marco Chiappi, Julie Forsyth, Bert Labonte, Olivia Monicciolo, Caroline Lee, Edmund Lembke-Hogan and newcomer Abby Earl.

Check out this reel of rave reviews for the show…

What: Phèdre

Where:  Sydney Opera House

When: 6 – 29 June 2013

Info: Bell Shakespeare website