Featured image- John Bell and John Gaden in DIPLOMACY at the Ensemble Theatre. Pic Prudence Upton.
Paris, August 25th, 1944. As the Allied Forces move closer to the city, Hitler has decided, in his ever-increasing delusional state, that if Germany can’t have Paris, then no-one will. He has ordered the complete destruction of the city, so famous for its centuries of unique cultural history and beauty.
From this historical fact, French playwright, Cyril Gely, has created in DIPLOMACY, a fictional reason for Paris’ survival, a beautifully rich, philosophical and persuasive dialogue between two men – quite different by nature, but both very powerful in stature and personality.
Gely’s play was first performed in 2011 at Theatre de la Madeleine in Paris. It was skilfully adapted and translated into English for John Bell’s Australian premiere by Julie Rose. Gely also wrote the screenplay for the French movie based on his stage play, ‘Diplomatie’, which was shown at our 2015 French Film Festival.
The play opens in the suite at the Hotel Meurice, of the Military Governor of Paris, Army General Dietrich Von Choltitz,(played by John Bell), who has been given orders for the demolition of the city, set to explode at 7am. He discusses the details with his Engineering Officer, Werner Ebernach (played by James Lugton). Strewn across Paris, explosives have been attached to bridges, The Opera, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of people. Choltitz’s orderly, Frau Mayer, (played by Genevieve Lemon), is sent to Germany to take Choltitz’s family to safety in Switzerland.
Swedish Consul General, Raoul Nordling, (played by John Gaden), enters through a secret hotel door to greet Choltitz and try to convince him to save Paris. Nordling is charming and passionate, insisting his Swedish nationality ensures neutrality and trust. Choltitz, who comes from two generations of military leaders, realises that this battle could be lost. He is exhausted, demoralised and suffering bouts of asthma, but has a very good reason to oppose Nordling’s pleas.
The fact that the Nazi military had already begun to lose faith in Hitler, makes this fascinating conversation more plausible.
John Bell and John Gaden create magic on the stage together and not one word is lost on the audience. Bell brings sensitivity and depth to a seemingly brutal character, making Choltitz, the protagonist, all the more appealing. John Gaden brings great humour, vivacity and perceptiveness to the role of Nordling. The other three actors, Genevieve Lemon, James Lugton and Joseph Raggatt are wonderful.
Bell, as director, chose his wife, Anna Volska, as assistant director – and they make a very successful team.
The set design by Michael Scott-Mitchell could have been bland and grey, but is brilliant. The map of Paris on the walls and floor draw the audience into the horrid scenario. Costumes by Genevieve Graham are sharp and suitably harsh. Lighting by Matt Cox and sound by Nate Edmondson create great atmosphere.
It’s not often that such a stimulating and well-crafted play comes along. DIPLOMACY will run at the Ensemble Theatre [Facebook] until 28th April, 2018. The show is a sell-out and the Ensemble Theatre has already organised a return season for the production in 2019.