A bold new production of Arthur Schnitzler's controversial play La Ronde has taken residence at London's White Bear Theatre, offering audiences a provocative examination of intimacy in the modern age. Titled Ring Ring, this fresh interpretation maintains the original's circular structure of interconnected sexual encounters while injecting contemporary relevance.
A Century-Old Scandal Revisited
Originally written in 1897, Schnitzler's work was considered so scandalous that it wasn't publicly performed until 1920. The play's daring exploration of sexual relationships across class boundaries caused outrage in its time, leading to obscenity trials and cementing its reputation as a controversial classic. The current production at the White Bear Theatre continues this tradition of pushing boundaries, examining how technology has transformed the way we connect and disconnect.
Director Harry McDonald and adaptor Josh Collins have reimagined the work for contemporary London, maintaining the essential circular structure where each character appears in two scenes, forming a chain of ten sexual encounters. The production runs until November 29th, offering London theatre-goers a limited opportunity to experience this thought-provoking revival.
Modern Intimacy in the Digital Age
The adaptation cleverly incorporates modern elements of dating culture and digital communication, exploring how apps and technology have changed the landscape of human connection. While preserving the original's examination of class and desire, Ring Ring introduces contemporary concerns about privacy, consent, and the paradox of increased connectivity leading to greater isolation.
The White Bear Theatre provides an intimate setting that perfectly suits the production's themes. The small space creates an immediate connection between performers and audience, making the encounters feel both personal and uncomfortably close at times. This atmospheric choice enhances the production's impact, drawing viewers into the complex web of relationships.
A Timeless Exploration of Human Connection
What makes this production particularly compelling is how it demonstrates the enduring relevance of Schnitzler's observations about human nature. Despite the century that separates the original from this adaptation, the fundamental drivers of desire, power dynamics in relationships, and the search for genuine connection remain strikingly similar.
The cast navigates the challenging material with sensitivity and courage, portraying characters who are simultaneously vulnerable and predatory, hopeful and cynical. Their performances highlight the universal aspects of Schnitzler's characters while grounding them firmly in contemporary London life.
This production serves as a powerful reminder that while the mechanisms of courtship and connection have evolved dramatically since 1897, the fundamental human needs and complications surrounding intimacy remain remarkably constant. Ring Ring successfully bridges the gap between century-old commentary and modern reality, creating a theatrical experience that is both historically significant and immediately relevant to contemporary audiences.
