Some people may
say that we need
to return to the
"good old days."
We have all
heard that
expression and I
bet it means
many things to
many people. A
simpler time, a
more innocent
time, suggesting
I suppose that
our current
times are a bit
corrupt and far
from innocent.
But that can be
said for any age
really.
Betrayal,
infidelity,
revenge and
greed have been
around as long
as man has
wandered the
earth. Of course
so have kindness
and generosity
and love. But
those admirable
qualities have
little to do
with the
characters in Balzac's
Cousin Bette
currently
playing at the
Deaf West
Theatre.
Bette is the
devoted
companion to her
cousin Adeline.
She is there to
offer her advice
and council
regarding her
husband Hector
and her daughter
Hortense. But
what Adeline
does not know is
that behind
Bette's look of
concern is a
loathing and
hatred for her
cousin for all
she has. So she
plots behind her
back to bring
the family
crashing into
social and
financial ruin.
Hector actually
helps her in a
sense as his
wandering eye
makes him an
easy target to
manipulate and
his downward
spiral pulls in
both his uncle
and his son. No
one escapes
unharmed as
schemes and
plots are put
into motion and
quickly take on
a life of their
own. Not even
Bette.
Published in
1846, Cousin
Bette is
considered one
of Balzac's last
great works.
Exploring the
themes of vice,
virtue and the
influence of
money on society
it was quite the
shocking tale in
its time not
only for its
content but also
its commentary.
This production,
adapted for the
stage by Jeffrey
Hatcher, brings
a fresh new
perspective on
Bette and her
motivations that
might even have
you rooting for
her - a bit. For
though she is
the catalyst who
brings only
destruction in
her wake, she is
also someone
just trying to
find her own bit
of happiness. So
if you think
your in-laws are
bad, spend an
evening with
this one and you
will be counting
your lucky
stars. It's
true. Want to
make a bette?
- Brent B.
What:
Cousin Bette Where:
Deaf West
Theatre, 5112
Lankershim Blvd,
North Hollywood When:
Thursday -
Saturday at
7:30pm, Sunday
at 4pm, February
6 - March 21 Tickets:
$30.00 - $34.00 Info:
818.506.1983,
www.antaeus.org
