Auckland Theatre Companys’ ‘Le Sud’
New Zealand dodged a bullet in 1838. A French-speaking, garlic-smelling beret-wearing bullet to be precise. If it wasn’t for a quirk of history this review might be written in French, talking about a brilliant satiric play about what Nouvelle-Zélande would have been like if it had been colonised by the English.
‘Le Sud’ has a genius premise. The South Zealanders are the sophisticated, wealthy French led by perpetual womaniser Francois Duvauchelle (the dashingly repulsive Andrew Grainger), his deputy Dominque (Jennifer Ward-Lealand, who sparkles and carries the loveliest of French accents) and the opportunist Minister of Indigenous Affairs Tama Te Tonga (class act George Henere). The first scene between the three of them is spoken entirely in French, which the half-remembered knowledge of Year 9 French got me through. Their relentless mocking of the English Northerners (like us) is hilarious, and the scene is incredibly watchable. I would have been content if the entire play had been in French due to the skill of the actors.
Before long though, the North Zealanders turn up. They’re in French Wanaka for crisis talks on power prices (the South, who control generation, have doubled it). Michael Lawrence plays the incompetent, mutton-chopped, PM Jim Peterson who seems to have stepped out of the 70s. He’s accompanied by his MMP support partners Lyndsey Marsland (Greg Cooper) from the FACT party and Maori Party equivalent Moana Maree Matakana (Miriama McDowell slightly overplaying the staunch Wahini). After an awkward and side-splitting Powhiri, it’s into the talks.
Playwright Dave Armstrong (Nui Sila, The Tutor, Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby) has structured his play like a classic Moliere comedy. Amongst the pointed political barbs are scenes of seduction, double crossings, and an ending that ties together far too easily. That though is the point. Refreshingly, realism is out the window and director Raymond Hawthorne glories in outrageousness. I have never seen a Prime Minister suggestively sucking another Prime Minister’s finger before, nor do I want to ever again.
Specially revised for the ATC season, the play contains some very timely digs on the Auckland Super City and other current affairs. It works best when there is a degree of subtly and we feel clever for ‘getting it’. Some gags where Te Tonga gives advice to Rodney, Hone and Bill are just too obvious. Jennifer’s “that’s what I said” in which she mangles English words doesn’t work, although her character steals the show with big revelation at the end.
In his Opening Night speech ATC chairman described Dave Armstrong as New Zealand’s preeminent playwright (Goodbye Roger Hall!). I’m inclined to agree. Magnifique!
Le Sud plays at the Maidment Theatre until March 6th.
