A Hungarian Jane Eyre, reviewed

As it can be seen in our sidebar, the 2006 BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre will be aired in Hungary next April 7 and 8. Maybe this is a good time to return to a recent theatrical Hungarian approach to Jane Eyre. Last December we posted about the performances of Jane Eyre (translated by Mária Ruzitska) in Budapest. Now, Ancsa Majláth has written to us providing us a review of those performances:

The whole play uses the original text (well, the Hungarian translation...). Of course some parts are left out, but just few, believe me. Jane tells us the story, she comments on her feelings while talking to Rochester. There is even a part, when Rochester reads out Jane's feelings about Miss Ingram from the book!

The basic conception of the play is Little Red Riding Hood. There are parallels between the tale and the novel, that's why Jane is in red always. Rochester and Brocklehurst are a bit similar to the Wolf.

The play has only 5 actors. With the exception of Kata Wéber (Jane) everyone plays more roles.

Virág Marjai - Helen, Miss Ingram
Sándor Terhes - Rochester, Brocklehurst
Mari Csomós - Bertha, Jane's alter thoughts
Márta Martin - Mrs Reed, Mrs Fairfax, Grace

It can't be seen well in the picture above, but Brocklehurst digs his foot under Jane's skirt under the blanket, while asking: which are your favourite parts from the Bible, and complains about how sad it is when a girl is naughty. There is something pervert in this conversation, and the play shows it. (You don't have to think of pedophilia, it just shows how an abnormal man is Mr. B.)

The interpretation as I guess is based on "The Madwoman in the Attic". E.g. when Jane hesitates whether to leave after the "almost wedding" and has a conversation with herself "you shall tear yourself away", etc., these words are told by Bertha, as the study claims that it is as if Bertha told it.

The chronology is changed. When Jane helps Rochester with the horse is the end of the play: because this is the time, when he can actually lean on Jane.

The scenery is minimal and very symbolic. The walls are covered with Jane's drawings: so the whole play is in Jane's world - after all, she is the one who tells us the whole novel.

It is unusual, I admit, but it is true to the real novel. And Sándor Terhes is a perfect Rochester. He looks like Rochester exactly, except for his blue eyes. :) And he plays Rochester, as I imagined him when reading the book: not simply cruel, but very funny at some points. Sándor Terhes keeps this balance between cruelty and humour perfectly. Kate Wéber is really Jane. (Ancsa Majláth)

Remember that you can see Ancsa's drawings inspired by Jane Eyre here.

Categories: Jane Eyre, Theatre