Playing for Pride

Can Jane Austen’s epic love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy translate to the stage? Swine Palace, Baton Rouge’s professional regional theatre, believes so. This month the company will launch a two-week run of Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at the Shaver Theatre. Director George Judy describes it as a “fluid and covertly theatrical adaptation of the novel.” Besides the quick-witted dialogue and verbal sparring that take place onstage, Judy says dance and movement are integral to the play. By reflecting 18th-century English society in both verbally and physically captivating ways, he aims to produce a romantic party at the theatre.

Real-life married couples will bring their experiences to the roles of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and Lord and Lady Lucas.

“The energy and spirit of their actual relationships will cause sparks to fly throughout, adding an additional sense of romance,” Judy says.

Audience members familiar with the novel or previous adaptations may have specific images of the characters in mind, but from the timid buffoon Mr. Collins to the blunt lioness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the company aims to evoke these recognizable characters while including enough twists and turns to make them unique to Swine Palace.

At the heart of Austen’s tale lie witticisms, social mores and romance. Yet it also conjures images of Colin Firth in a dripping-wet shirt and pantaloons and a fiery Keira Knightley going head-to-head with Matthew Macfayden in the rain. The author’s work has found life beyond the page.

If Judy’s enthusiasm reveals anything about what he sees as the “ultimate battle of the sexes,” it’s that it will be an animated, jocular and romantic event just in time for Valentine’s Day. Performances run Feb. 1-19. swinepalace.org