The modest-sized Comedie Italienne has had some exquisite settings on its stage and extravagant costumes on its actors, but its “Enchanted Garden” (Le Jardin des Amours Enchantees) reaches new heights of gossamer beauty. It’s as if playwright Goldoni has atypically conquered the realm of his arch rival, the rarely realistic Gozzi. Director Attilio Maggiulli has clearly had fun blending the traditions of the two, without de-emphasizing the influence of commedia dell ‘arte.
Goldoni’s play is half fable, half fairy tale and is introduced by a self-proclaimed magician who urges patience. It takes time, of course, for Beauty to replace Ugliness. It also takes a Fairy Godmother, favoring the chirping butterfly of a heroine (the beautiful Helene Lestrade, in good voice even having to chirp) on an upper-class level, as well as a quick, adventuresome Arlequin with street smarts.
There are two princes, an ugly simpleton and a regal guy. Where the princess is concerned, the latter must win out over the former. And Arlequin must win his butterfly of a Columbine.
The garden is used as a place of romance and also of hiding emotions. It even contains a symbolic orange that the heroine craves. The audience gets to cooperate with the magician David Clair (also the ugly prince) to make things work out.
Attilio Maggiulli’s direction encompasses choreography. There’s never a dull moment or movement, though much is fragile rather than frantic (except for Arlequin as he senses danger). This production validates arguments for the continuation of the theater which, because of the loss of subsidies and private-sector economic distress, needs renewed governmental support as well as donations. Maggiulli’s trouble with authorities over a protest in December 2013 has cost the theater audiences, also. The present show makes a good case for renewing support from all areas.
