THE TWO POPES AT THE ARTS THEATRE
The Two Popes in uneasy communion
Who would imagine a play about the theological tensions of two Popes would make for an unforgettably dynamic piece of theatre? World events often seem so far away. But with this profound play, author Anthony McCarten examines the puzzling abdication of Pope Benedict - an ultraconservative - and his virtual handover to a polar opposite in attitude and doctrine , the flamboyant Cardinal Bergoglio, tango dancer, radical and confessed sinner who struggles to forgive his own actions during the brutal repression of the Argentinian Junta .
Nicloas Woodeson is the emergent Pope Francis
Suddenly we are there, in the awesome splendour of the Vatican Sistine Chapel or the ages-old grandeur of the grand Papal apartments of the magnificent stage sets ( even if the curtains did get jammed in the first half hour.) What we witness in this encounter of the two men is the stimulating stuff of real theatre. Anton Lesser, surely one of our greatest actors, plays the ascetic even neurotic Benedict who longs for the peace of his Bavarian village - and Niclolas Woodesen an actor who conveys all the magical charisma of the future Pope Francis.
Leaphia Darko as the ardent young nun who confronts Francis
This is a surprise eventng. Seldom does a new play leap with life as this complex drama does . There is even plenty of humour - from the dry Germanic Benedict who has no illusions about Popes previous and their sex lives, In one exasperated outburst he laments the world wide popularity of his predecessor, John Paul. For a quiet solitary man, this world- trotting pontiff set, a huge hurdle in the international popularity stakes “ Is there no runway in the entire world he hasn’t kissed? “ rails poor Benedict as he reflects his own lack of charisma.
Equally Cardinal Bergoglio , a fast talking realist, has a flamboyant sense of humour : the future Francis fizzes with frustration at the slow pace of change in church - and admits his own shortcomings “ Of course I am self obsessed. When an Argentinian wants to commit suicide he climbs to the top of his ego and jumps off!”.
The Sistine Chapel - stupendous and awesome
Unexpectedly, the characters of the two men emerge from the scenes with the women in the cast. . Lynsey Beauchamp is utterly authentic as Sister Brigitta a fellow German who entertains her very old friend Pope Benedict XVI with some homely Bavarian schnitzels as they watch the latest episode of a German TV series they both ardently follow. To her , the off duty Pontiff reveals his plans to retire - and her horrified reaction is a strong taste of the reception this historic decision will get from the rest of the Church.
And over in Buenos Aries, Leaphia Darko as a young idealistic novice and scion of parents murdered by the Junta, asks her Cardinal, Bergoglio to hear her confession - as a ruse to plead for him stay on as Shepherd of his poor dispossessed barrio dwellers. Darko ‘s performance brings a bright dash of energy - and context - to the future Pope Francis’ personal profile- a deft theatrical device works wonderfully well.
The Two Popes meet - and pray
So far from predictable - or even less so, dull -this is an evening of powerful entertainment - the sets are out of this world impressive -and the material original and deeply thoughtful. A glimpse behind the scenes of the world’s major actors cannot fail to engage us - how brilliant then of Mc Carten to light on this event, an abdication not seen for 700 year, and bring it to exciting new life.
