| Relying strongly on the biography and writings of the real 17th Century poet Hektor Savinien de Cyrano, Edmond Rostand conjured into life the suave swashbuckler and sophisticated poet Cyrano de Bergerac for his famous romantic comedy in verse. The play became a triumphant success and continues to be performed regularly around the world. Yet the interpretation by the Bremer Moks Theatre is anything but historical. Take two men with opposing strengths: the ugly but eloquent Cyrano and the tongue-tied but all the more handsome Christian. Both fall for the same woman: Roxane. Of course, she demands both intellect and stunning looks in one person, so the men form what nowadays could only be called a "dream team". Cyrano writes enchanting letters in Christian's name, while the latter has the honour of bewitching Roxane with his kisses in which his friend only vicariously takes pleasure. Roxane hasn't the faintest clue of the scam. How long can this double dealing go on? The Moks Theatre delivers a refreshingly contemporary version of this classic duel of the hearts, where Cyrano and Christian not only compete for Roxane's but also the audience's affection. |
