Donald Margulies' Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougemont (As Told by Himself) tells it all. There is a wonderful delight in discovering that you have been completely and utterly taken in by a con. Louis De Rougemont is a brilliant con artist. Intercontinental communication at the end of the 19th century took a bit of time. He was able to convince a lot of people of his grand exploits.
De Rougemont (Ron Campbell) told quit a tale. He searched for pearls and gold in New Guinea over a period of thirty years. During this time, he lived with the indigenous Australians in the outback, learning their various languages. He was worshipped as a god, being the only white man they had ever seen. He even rode a turtle.
Shipwrecked! is basically a one-man show. Yetide Badaki plays ten roles, and David McBean is responsible for fifteen characters. They provide the balance necessary for De Rougemont to expound on his adventures with clarity.
Badaki begins as Louis' mother, soon plays is Aborigine princess wife, as well as a male magazine editor, and much more. McBean regales the audience as the dog Bruno (he's delightfully convincing), the Aborigine's father, and Queen Victoria, just to name a few. Both move seamlessly from one role to another, always with convincing characterizations.
Campbell is an absolutely delightful scoundrel. To believe his tale is to believe in fairy tales and romantic escapades. It is so much fun while it lasts. The world of the usual fades away as a fictional reality captivates you. You really want to believe De Rougemont's special reality.
Louis De Rougemont is real, that is true. He was born in Suchy, Switzerland, in 1847 as Henri Louis Grin. He had several menial jobs, ending up as a butler in Australia in 1870. At age 50 he began to write about his adventures as De Rougemont in "The Wide World Magazine." His alleged true story became the rage of London. Alas, soon the tale unraveled.
On the stage of North Coast Rep, in the San Diego premiere, it proves to be one of the most intriguing plays of the season. Matthew Wiener's direction is flawless. Marty Burnett's set provides a variety of locations which are enhanced by Matt Novotny's lighting design. Michelle Hung Souza's costume design helps the supporting cast assume their various roles.
