An Inescapable Hell (Press, 12 June 1981)

A production of Jean-Paul Sartre's play "Huis Clos," directed by Susie Perehowskyj, recently premiered at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre on 11 June 1981. This notable work, written in 1944, captivates audiences with its intense dramatic tension despite its static setting. The play features three characters—Garcin, Ines, and Estelle—who find themselves trapped in a single, eternally lit room, symbolising a hell from which they cannot escape. The focus of the narrative is on character exploration and their eventual self-revelation, presenting a rich psychological landscape without traditional action. The three individuals share common backgrounds, each guilty of causing the death of someone they loved and tormented by the fear that they will not be remembered. Garcin, portrayed by Claude Beauclair, is a self-obsessed and indecisive man who desires to be seen as heroic, yet he died a coward. Ines, depicted by Francoise Mojeret, is a man-hating lesbian who relishes in exposing the profound truths of her companions, creating a tense dynamic. Genevieve Taillade plays Estelle, a flirtatious socialite who craves physical attention and validation. The relationships between the trio create a potent mix of desire and resentment. Garcin seeks to reclaim his self-respect but is simultaneously undermined by Ines's taunting nature. Estelle is drawn to Garcin, yet he is captivated by Ines, further complicating their interactions. The performances were highlighted by the actors’ fluency and clarity in French, showcasing the richness of the language while enhancing the emotional depth of the drama. Beauclair's portrayal of Garcin effectively balanced moments of passionate self-revelation with periods of introspection, allowing the turmoil of his character to resonate without exaggerated physicality. Mojeret’s Ines brought an intense tension to the stage, marked by her watchfulness and restrained malice, while Taillade’s representation of Estelle was both seductive and naive, captivating the audience completely. The play's exploration of the ultimate inability of the characters to resolve their psychological and moral dilemmas proved to be compelling theatre, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The 8 p.m. performance drew a full house, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the blending of fine theatre and the beauty of the French language in this extraordinary production.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand