Dog in the Manger (2011)
by Lope de Vega
Directed by Mark Ireson and Charlotte Vaight
Performances: Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 April 2011, Prompt Corner
Contents
Introduction
Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have?
Diana, the independent, headstrong and beautiful Countess of Belflor, is a woman in the habit of seeing off the various men in pursuit of her hand, until she finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to her personal secretary, Teodoro. This is not a union that the rigid society they inhabit would readily permit, and things are complicated further by Teodoro's existing relationship with Marcela, one of Diana's ladies in waiting.
Suspecting Diana's feelings for him, Teodoro is quick to cast aside Marcela, who is not best pleased. Nor are Diana's current suitors, the pompous Federico and Ricardo; when they discover where Diana's affections really lie, they soon hatch a scheme to dispose of Teodoro. They unwittingly hire Tristan, Teodoro’s lackey, as the assassin, who takes their money but manages to dupe the Duke Ludovico into thinking that Teodoro is his long lost son. Ludovico gains a son, Teodoro a title, Diana a husband, and they all live happily(…ish) ever after.
David Johnston’s fast paced translation (commissioned for the RSC without a thee or thou in sight) brings out the intelligence and comedy of Lope de Vega's bittersweet satire of lust, class, jealousy and love for a modern audience.
Cast
- Diana, Countess of Belflor - Victoria Arter-Furlong
- Teodoro, her secretary - Erik Smith
- Tristan, Teodoro's lackey - Michael Wilson
- Octavio, her old steward - Peter Medd
- Fabio, her servant - Barry Heselden
- Anarda, her lady in waiting - Emma Kerby-Evans
- Dorotea, her lady in waiting - Emma Baxter
- Marcela, her lady in waiting - Roberta Zuric
- The Marquis Ricardo - David Blatcher
- Celio, his servant - Anita Onwuegbuzie
- Count Federico, Diana's cousin - Adam Crook
- Leonido, his servant - Kerry Perkins
- Count Ludovico - Peter Medd
- Camilo, his advisor - Induja Bandara
- Furio, a lackey - Kerry Perkins
- Lirano, a lackey - Induja Bandara
- Ludovico's servant - Graham Clements
Crew
- Stage Manager - Graham Clements
- Lighting Design - Mike Elliott
- Sound Design - Kevin Leech
- Lighting and Sound Operator - Sarah Farage
- Costumes - Emma Kerby-Evans
- Scenic Artist - Hazel Hindle
- Props - Alan Buckman, cast and crew
- Fabio's "lute" played by - David Armer
- Photography - Phil Gammon
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
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See Also
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References
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