Frederick Lemaître: Pardubice Stage Revival of French Play | Theatre News

A Czech Stage for French Flair: Radovan Lipus Returns to Pardubice

Radovan Lipus, a director with a clear affection for French culture, is back at the Východočeské divadlo Pardubice (East Bohemian Theatre Pardubice) with a new production of Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s “Frederick.” The play, which premiered in February, stars Ladislav Špiner in the title role of Frederick Lemaître, a celebrated 19th-century French actor. Additional performances are scheduled for March 11th and April 4th, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of a theatrical icon.

Lipus, who has collaborated with the Pardubice ensemble on four previous occasions, expressed a personal connection to the project. He noted his concern over the diminishing presence of French arts and literature within the Czech Republic, stating, “I’m a frankophile.” This sentiment clearly informed his decision to bring Schmitt’s work to the stage, a play originally written with Jean-Paul Belmondo in mind.

The Life and Legend of Lemaître

“Frederick” isn’t a straightforward biography, but rather a dramatization of the life of Frédérick Lemaître (1800–1876). Lemaître rose to prominence in the Parisian theatre scene, initially captivating audiences by transforming lackluster melodramas into comedic triumphs. He became a star, known for his flamboyant personality, his penchant for gambling and romance, and even his involvement in revolutionary circles. The play explores the complexities of his character, particularly his struggle to reconcile his passionate life on stage with the demands of genuine love. As the character himself puts it, “Life has meaning for me only when I play it.”

The production delves into Lemaître’s career, primarily focusing on 1832, at the height of his fame, while also incorporating flashbacks to his childhood and glimpses into his life a decade later. The cast also includes Petra Janečková as Slečna George, Veronika Malá as Michele, and Tomáš Lněnička as Firmin, among others. The creative team features Marta Roszkopfová for set and costume design, and Pavel Helebrand composing the music.

A Play with a Past: From Belmondo to Rösner and Beyond

The journey of “Frederick” to the Czech stage has been marked by poignant circumstances. The play was initially penned by Schmitt specifically for the legendary French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. Although, the first Czech production in 2004 at Prague’s Divadlo ABC featured Boris Rösner in the lead role. Tragically, Rösner passed away just two years later, and the play hasn’t been staged in the Czech Republic since. As Jana Pithartová, the dramaturg at the Pardubice theatre, pointed out, this production marks a significant return for the work.

The play’s themes of performance, identity, and the search for meaning resonate deeply, and Lipus’s decision to stage it now feels particularly relevant. He’s aiming for a production that emphasizes the traditional elements of theatre, eschewing modern techniques like videoprojections in favor of a more analog experience. This approach, he believes, will allow the strength of the story and the performances to shine through.

Lipus’s Continued Collaboration with Pardubice

This production represents the fourth collaboration between director Radovan Lipus and the Východočeské divadlo Pardubice, solidifying a fruitful working relationship. Seznam Zprávy notes Lipus’s dedication to bringing quality productions to the theatre. His commitment to showcasing French works, in particular, underscores his artistic vision and his desire to broaden the cultural landscape for Czech audiences.

The choice of “Frederick” also speaks to Lipus’s interest in exploring complex characters and narratives. Lemaître, as portrayed in the play, is a figure of contradictions – a charismatic performer who struggles with intimacy, a revolutionary who seeks validation through applause. This complexity, combined with Schmitt’s insightful writing, promises a compelling theatrical experience.

The production team has clearly focused on creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant staging of “Frederick.” The combination of Roszkopfová’s designs and Helebrand’s music promises to enhance the play’s dramatic impact. The cast, led by the experienced Ladislav Špiner, is poised to bring Lemaître’s story to life for a new generation of Czech theatregoers.

For those interested in learning more about the Východočeské divadlo Pardubice and their upcoming productions, you can visit their official website: Východočeské divadlo Pardubice – Frederick. Further details about Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt and his work can be found on various literary websites, including those dedicated to contemporary French authors. Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s official website (in French) provides a comprehensive overview of his career and publications.

The upcoming performances on March 11th and April 4th offer an opportunity to experience this compelling story and to witness Lipus’s vision for a production that honors both the spirit of the original play and the legacy of the Czech theatrical tradition.