Play adaptation premieres in France
The play La Bête dans la jungle, adapted from Henry James's 1903 short story, is currently being staged at the Théâtre de Lorient from January 19 to 22, 2027. This production marks a return of the work to the stage after many years.Themes and inspiration
The original text was inspired by the myth of Narcissus and Echo, exploring themes of anticipation, secrecy, and blindness through the story of a man who lives in self-obsession while ignoring the silent love of another. These themes are central to the narrative and are reflected in the adaptation.Adaptation and translation
The adaptation for the theater was done by James Lord, and later translated and recreated by Marguerite Duras. Duras, a renowned French writer, brought her own artistic vision to the work, reshaping it for a theatrical audience.Director’s background
The production is directed by Éric Vignier, who was the director of the Théâtre de Lorient from 1996 to 2015. Vignier has a long history with Duras’s works, having staged several of her plays over the years.Cast and creative team
The play is performed by Jutta Johanna Weiss and Stanislas Nordey, with dramaturgy by Sabine Quiriconi, lighting by Kelig Le Bars, sound by John Kaced, makeup and hair by Anne Binois, and stage management by Émilie Lacoste. The production is by COMPAGNIE SUZANNE M., with co-productions from the Théâtre de Lorient – Centre dramatique national and the Nouveau Théâtre Besançon – Centre dramatique national.Performance details
The play was first created on January 19, 2027, at the Théâtre de Lorient – Centre dramatique national, with its initial premiere on October 17, 2001, at the CDDB – Théâtre de Lorient. The estimated duration of the performance is 1 hour and 50 minutes.
