PRIVATE LIVES SPARKLE

Orientation

Since the first production of ‘Private Lives’ in 1930, with the theatre’s two leading sophisticates
Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence in the leads, the play has tended to be seen as a vehicle
for stars.

Evaluation

QUT Academy of the Arts’ production boasted no ‘stars’, but certainly fielded potential stars in a
sparkling performance that brought out just how fine a piece of craftsmanship Coward’s play is.

Evaluation

More than 60 years later, what new could be deduced from so familiar a theme?

Director Rod Wissler’s highly perceptive approach went beyond the glittery surface of Witty
banter to the darker implications beneath.

Interpretative Recount

With the shifting of attitudes to social values, it became clear that Victor and Sibyl were
potentially the more admirable of the couples, with standards better adjusted than the volatile
and self-indulgent Elyot and Amanda.

Summary

All involed deserve the highest praise.

Mutiara Zavira Farasati

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