Strindberg’s quintessential battle of the sexes play, ‘Mies Julie’ is retold by award winning South African playwright Yael Farber. ‘Mies Julie’ is a modernized version set eighteen years after the abolishment of apartheid. Directed by Dexter Bullard, Victory Gardens presents this regional premiere.
‘Mies Julie’ has been a controversial play since it premiered in the late 1800s. Strindberg’s representation of a strong-willed aristocratic woman has always been a plum role for actresses. The sexual tension between Miss Julie and her servant is an apt metaphor for the competition between men and women especially in an era where women had few, if any rights to property.
Putting this play in modern day South Africa is a wise way to address the racial inequality still present nearly thirty years since apartheid’s end. The stakes are raised here as John is fighting for more than just dominance. His ambition is to win back the land he believes was stolen from his ancestors, while Julie represents the white ruling class that fears change.
Heather Chrisler plays Mies Julie, a young woman we learn has recently broken off an engagement. Chrisler flawlessly reproduces a South African accent. In fact, it’s so good there are times you struggle to follow. Her performance is wild and untamed. She’s endlessly tempting and viciously wicked. Her co-star Jalen Gilbert in the role of John is just as seductive. While Gilbert’s performance is more sympathetic, there’s a violent undercurrent that is thrilling to watch. There’s a great deal of chemistry between these actors and seeing it ebb and flow is incredibly sexy.
‘Mies Julie’ is like watching a game of tennis. Each line between the two characters is a volley and often the meaning of words and feelings changes on a dime. In the short span of seventy minutes, Yael Farber tells a complete story of the family trees of Julie and John. The dialogue is a constant one-up-manship and in the end, you may wonder who really wins.
The sultry atmosphere envisioned by Dexter Bullard is the perfect backdrop for this titillating drama. The heat is palpable. With simple touches the stage is set for an edge-of-your-seat verbal and physical struggle for power in a changing world.
At Victory Gardens through Jun 24th. 2433 N Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000.
