THEATRE
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CYRANO DE BERGERAC NTS, the Citizens and Royal Lyceum breathe new life into a French classic
The National Theatre of Scotland’s collaboration with the Royal Lyceum and the Citizens Theatre (currently touring its work as its home venue is being renovated) sees the Citz’s artistic director Dominic Hill reimagine Edmond Rostan’s Cyrano de Bergerac, a French classic which has become a byword for eloquent romanticism. Hill’s reputation, based on his dynamic dramaturgy, promises a vigorous reinvention, but the arrival of Pam Hogg working on the costumes introduces a famous designer to performance audiences.
‘I don’t see myself as solely a fashion designer anyway,’ Hogg explains, ‘I create with no limitations so having to think theatre is just a new puzzle to solve.’ And that puzzle has its practical components as well as creative. ‘When I was i rst asked,’ says Hogg, ‘I imagined making every costume in full splendour, my ideas were endless. The challenge was that the actors were having to play multiple parts with swift changes, so I had to view it all in a different light.’
Fortunately, Hill’s approach is similar to Hogg’s: ’Dominic is awesome, we bonded immediately. His way of working is on a par with mine, we’re both l uid thinkers: nothing’s set in stone till it feels right!’ With Rostand’s script bringing pathos and humour, Hill’s mercurial direction and the ever- excellent Jessica Hardwick and Brian Ferguson in the lead roles, Hogg’s presence adds to an adventurous take on one of theatre’s past glories. ‘Even without lights and set and costume, it’s incredible,’ concludes Hogg, ‘so it’s going to be phenomenal when everything comes together.’ (Gareth K Vile) ■ Citizens Theatre at Tramway, Glasgow, Sat 1–Sat 22 Sep; Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 12 Oct–Sat 3 Nov.
1 Sep–31 Oct 2018 THE LIST 89