Shakespeare's Globe's revival of Love's Labour's Lost transforms the early comedy into a Spanish fiesta, complete with flamenco dance, bullfighting, and paella. The production, directed by Indiana Lown-Collins, runs until 13 September.
Spanish Setting and Flamenco Infusion
Shakespeare's original play is set in the Spanish kingdom of Navarre, where three young men swear off sex and food for meditation, only to be tempted by a French princess and her ladies. In this version, everyone is Spanish, with English words translated to Spanish, and paella specified as the repast. The action is punctuated by flamenco dance and song, reflecting the themes of romantic longing and underlying violence.
Show-Stopping Choreography
Choreographer Carmen Igarza and pre-hispanic movement consultant Vanessa Guevara create spectacular sequences, including a choreographed bullfight danced by Pablo Egea as the bull. These routines regularly stop the show, and according to the review, they deserve to take a bow at the end of each performance.
Controversial Additions
Less happily, the production introduces Queen Elizabeth I to the masque, including jokes about her sex life and vagina. The review notes that had Shakespeare pricked his patron in this way, Love's Labour's Lost would have been his final play. However, the bawdy elements of Shakespeare's original are well served, with golden penile codpieces and nippled shoulder pads in the Muscovite scene.
Cast and Performances
The multi-national cast includes Philip Arditti as Berowne, Bea Segura as Rosaline, and Andro Crespo as Don Adriano de Armado. The casting director Becky Paris is praised alongside the movement and music team. The final song, “When daisies pied and violets blue,” is beautifully led by Crespo, Michael McMahon, and Adrián Solá.
Overall Impression
While the production is generally a joy within its concept, the review expresses concern about students and tourists admiring Shakespeare's Elizabethan lèse-majesté, and notes that the play feels half-hearted compared to Tom Littler's double bill pairing it with Much Ado About Nothing. Nevertheless, the flamenco and bullfighting make for a vibrant and memorable experience.
