Jane Lapotaire: A Classical Force Beyond the Iconic Piaf Role
Jane Lapotaire, who passed away at the age of 81, will forever be linked to her portrayal of Edith Piaf in Pam Gems's play Piaf. The production debuted at Stratford's the Other Place in 1978, later transferring to the West End and Broadway, earning Lapotaire both an Olivier award and a Tony. With her French heritage—born to a French mother and raised by an English foster parent in Ipswich—Lapotaire appeared destined for the role, yet her performance soared beyond mere imitation.
Capturing the Essence of Piaf
Lapotaire's interpretation revealed a woman whose artistry was rooted in unwavering loyalty to her working-class beginnings, famously describing herself as "just a bit of slum rubbish." Through her radiant smile, she embodied Piaf's tumultuous life, emotional warmth, and indomitable spirit. This role was a gift that Lapotaire cherished, but its acclaim often overshadowed her broader theatrical prowess.
A Rare Classical Talent
In truth, Lapotaire was a genuinely classical actor, most at home in the works of Shakespeare, Sophocles, Ibsen, and Chekhov. While she gained early recognition in television, notably in a series about Marie Curie, it was on stage where her innate intelligence and vocal precision truly flourished. Trained at the Bristol Old Vic, she joined Laurence Olivier's National Theatre company and co-founded Frank Dunlop's Young Vic, taking on roles such as Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Isabella in Measure for Measure.
Memorable Performances at Stratford
In 1974, at Stratford's Other Place, Lapotaire's originality shone as Sonya in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, directed by Nicol Williamson. Rather than portraying the character as dreary, she depicted Sonya as a pragmatic young woman immersed in domestic routines, her longing eyes following Astrov's departure with heartbreaking clarity. This performance highlighted her ability to infuse classic roles with fresh depth.
Return to the Other Place and Ibsen's Ghosts
Fifteen years after Piaf, Lapotaire returned to the Other Place for a powerful production of Ibsen's Ghosts, directed by Katie Mitchell. As Mrs Alving, alongside Simon Russell Beale and John Carlisle, she delivered a magnificent portrayal, blending progressive ideals with a subtly voracious nature that explained Pastor Manders's retreat. This role underscored her capacity for complex characterisation.
Collaborations and Resilience
Lapotaire thrived under directors like Peter Gill, playing Viola and Rosalind in Shakespeare, and Belvidera in Otway's Venice Preserv'd at the National Theatre. In 2000, a cerebral haemorrhage disrupted her career, but she made a resilient comeback, working with Gregory Doran at the RSC. In 2013, she delivered a memorable performance as the Duchess of Gloucester opposite David Tennant's Richard II, showcasing her enduring stage presence.
Legacy of Majesty and Clarity
Throughout her life, Lapotaire remained a commanding figure on stage, likened to a swan on water for her inherent majesty and clear outline. Her legacy extends far beyond Piaf, cementing her status as a versatile and profound classical actor whose contributions to theatre continue to inspire.
