Have been on a roll since early last year watching the 2008-2020 productions available on DVD, mostly Shakespeare. There have been a couple of non-Shakespeare plays performed and the quintessential (in my view) Jacobean play 'The Duchess of Malfi' is one of them. Especially notable for its multi-layered titular character and its atmosphere which is at its best chilling. Have seen quite a lot of Dominic Dromgoole's productions, and find him a director who directs in good taste even in non-traditional productions while still being able to take risks.
Which is present in one of the standout (in the best of ways) 2008-2020 Shakespeare Globe productions. It manages to suit the Globe setting perfectly, despite being very different in tone than most productions performed at the Globe, and is impeccably made, staged and acted. It is true in spirit to the drama of the play, embodying it even, and shows brilliantly how Dromgoole was so good at directing in good taste, not playing it too safe and how he makes the characters and interactions so layered, literally coming alive from the pages.
The production looks wonderful, especially the elegant costumes (with Gemma Arterton looking absolutely stunning, have rarely seen her look better) and the suitably eerie lighting that suited the dark, bold tone of 'The Duchess of Malfi' (very ahead of its time in its day and the subject of much controversy) perfectly. Loved too the music score, which had a real understanding of the sort of music and instrumentation the Jacobean period had at the time.
Dromgoole's staging is always coherent and full of darkly bold atmosphere, while never playing it too safe or too civilised. The part with the severed hand is truly nightmarish, like something out of a horror film (which is not a bad thing as some of the drama is horror-like) while not distasteful in the slightest. The last act is devastating too. The character interaction is spot on, especially between the Duchess and Ferdinand which is rich in tension, as is how well it faithfully shows what makes the Duchess such a layered character.
Arterton gives a performance of great dignity, determination and endearing sweetness, as well as poignancy. Couldn't believe this is her first classical role when it looked as if she had been doing the role for years. David Dawson is chillingly cruel as Ferdinand, while James Garnon does sardonic and sinister expertly. Denise Gough is a standout in her role.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.
