George – Omnibus Theatre

George, penned by the multi-talented French writer and actress Léa des Garets, is an enchanting blend of entertainment and education that delves into the life of George Sand, a French figure whose notoriety for wearing men’s clothing has often overshadowed her literary genius.

Sand (des Garets) is grappling with her next big literary project. Together with her muse and lover, actress Marie Dorval (Inki Mariano), Sand Birthes “Gabriel,” a play on a 17th-century Italian aristocrat who was raised as a man, only to discover at age seventeen they were biologically female. The play proves to be way ahead of its time in 1830s Europe and becomes a vehicle of meta-reflection for Sand’s own gender identity.

Developed with the support of the Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni, this collaboration between MQT Productions and Exchange Theatre delivers impeccable production value. Delyth Evans’ elegant costumes and set design hit the “frog”’s eye. Along with Marie Colahan’s masterful lighting, they create a captivating, 19th-century French atmosphere that enhances the storytelling without ever overshadowing it.

Under Rute Costa’s joyful direction, the cast delivers a solid performance. Des Garets brings charm and poise to the role of George/Gabriel – though she struggles at times to find the depth within her characters’ torturing passions. Mariano brings in some emotional weight in a touching scene exposing Sand’s own misogyny. Conor Dumbrell injects vibrant energy into his multiple male roles with some genuine crowd pleasing moments.

However, one must mention the play’s pacing challenges. The story moves at a brisk pace. High energy dominates, keeping the tone light, but this approach sometimes undermines the weighty subject matter. There are moments of silence that feel misplaced: a prolonged scene of Sand piecing pages together adds little to the narrative and her emotional journey, while a heartbreaking rewriting scene feels too brief to convey the inner turmoil it undoubtedly caused the unapologetic author A long time is spent on establishing Sand and Dorval’s physical intimacy. Yet Sand’s own identity crisis after Gabriel’s gender-disruptive existence is deemed preposterous is barely touched on.

In summary, “George” is an engaging exploration of gender identity and artistic struggle, marred slightly by pacing issues. The strong performances, beautiful set and lighting, and intriguing storyline make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those looking to gain insight into the multifaceted life of George Sand.

Playing until 14th July, https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/george-2/

Reviewer: Klervi Gavet

Reviewed: 27th June 2024

North West End UK Rating: