Amy Ng’s adaptation of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie is a powerful one, especially set in The Belgrade theatre where seats are only three rows deep meaning you’re right in the action, which feels intrusive and voyeuristic at times.
We’re first introduced to household servants Christine and John, played by Jennifer Leong and Leo Wan, discussing a future together as they prepare for Chinese New Year in 1940s Hong Kong.
Miss Julie joins them in the kitchen to their horror, invading the only space they are true to speak freely and inviting further gossip surrounding the family. It’s clear she gets away with her behaviour, not solely for the status her family holds but with the innocent manner she demands attention while fluttering her eyelashes.
There’s an immediate power disparity as Miss Julie brazenly flirts with John, despite the obvious discomfort of Christine who sits quietly, and John who artfully dodges her attempts to draw him in. She gets even bolder once Christine falls asleep, demanding John kisses her feet, delighting in pushing the boundaries of what is both societally approved and morally acceptable.
The evening comes to a head in the form of a sinister dance using Chinese dragon masks as John takes Julie’s virginity. From there the power sways – they talk about leaving together and starting a life as equals, Julie regains authority by alternately threatening him with rape charges and promising him money, and John speaks to her shockingly cruelly until it becomes clear sleeping with Julie was just a snatch at power too.
Deapite her flaws, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for Miss Julie at her most vulnerable; four generations of her family have lived in Hong-Kong, its all she’s ever known and yet she’s rejected from the country’s traditions. The whole trio perform superbly, portraying the divisive effects of race and class to its tragic end.
Miss Julie is not an easy watch but it is a worthwhile one.
Miss Julie is showing at The Belgrade until Saturday 10th July, book tickets here https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/miss-julie/
****
Katie Reviews 