The curtains sweep back to reveal a stage layered to be interior and exterior at once – comprising grass, woodland, ladders and furniture – plus perfectly-placed translations of the Yiddish dialogue that shares the script with English. The narrative follows the growing intimacy between Amy Hack’s passionate and voluble Yentl and Ashley Margolis’ gallant Avigdor. Where it diverts from Singer’s original is in the growing attraction between Anshel and a beautiful, alluring young woman, Hodes (played with charm by Genevieve Kingsford). So the stage is set for a tug of love between Anshel, Hodes and Avigdor.
Given the storyline, there is of course ambiguity in the sexuality of the competing lovers, but the stripping of clothes to provide proof positive felt unnecessary. It did not, however, detract from the powerful and ever-relevant narrative of this terrific tour de force.
By Judi Herman
Photos by Manuel Harlan
Yentl runs until Sunday 12 April. 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun only). From £25. Marylebone Theatre, London, NW1 6XT. marylebonetheatre.com
