THE ORCHESTRA
Play by Jean Anouilh. Translated by Jeremy Sams. 1997: Southwark Playhouse/BBC R4; 2019 Teatro Latino, Omnibus Theatre. Both productions directed by Kristine Landon-Smith
This was a most interesting job; the play is about a small French orchestra playing in a salon de thé soon after WW2. My challenge was that all the characters, being the orchestra members, were played by actors, not real musicians; so I had to compose, record and mix the music, in order for the actors to mime playing their instruments. The result was very successful and often hilarious.
“Bang bang bang – that’s love for you”
A third-rate café orchestra in a small French spa town play their time worn music to an indifferent audience.
The musician’s idle chit-chat between and during arrangements, serve only to fuel their frustrations and power struggles. Seething volcanoes start to erupt behind a seemingly respectable facade.
Jealousy, gossip and thwarted emotions reach a tragic climax – but the music goes jauntily on…
Multi award-winner Kristine Landon Smith directs French dramatist Jean Anouilh’s comedy classic.