Belvoir’s Company B’s latest production is of Spanish playwright Lope de Vega’s ‘Peribanez’ (translation by Tanya Ronder), performed upstairs at the Seymour Centre.

Reading the media release, it is a shame, in a way, that the play isn’t about De Vega himself. What a character! The release said that the 17th century Spanish playwright was loved by his people with such ferocity that when he died in 1635, his state funeral lasted a whole nine days. In his lifetime he was a sailor, inquisitor, bigamist, priest and murderer, as well as being the writer of around 800 plays! One could say he had a pretty full life!

Any way, the good news is that his play ‘Peribanez’, is emblematic of his character, full of colour and passion.

‘Peribanez’ was my kind of play, a play could you really involved in, and it featured a great setup. The play begins with wedding celebrations. A beautiful young peasant couple, Peribanez and Casilda, are getting married and the local village of Ocana is in a celebratory mood. The feudal overlord and military commander of Ocana join in the celebrations. The only thing is that he falls under the spell of Casilda’s beauty. He decides he must have her!

De Vega lines up the forces brilliantly. We have the military commander and overlord, a domineering, intimidating man, who is used to getting what he wants.

We have Peribanez, a popular, virtuous, respectful peasant, newly married and committed to a lifetime with his Casilda. He is in awe of the power and command of the feudal lords.

We have Casilda, a beautiful young woman who on the outside looks all soft and willowy but inside she is tough as steel. She is fiercely independent, and will do what she wants to do.

Then we have the whole dynamic of the environment, the harmonies and tensions between the large peasant community and the feudal lords

The Commander can’t help himself, and starts scheming his way into seducing Casilda. From there De Vega lets things rip, and sees where things land!

Neil Armfield’s production does De Vega’s hot-blooded, passionate play justice. He brought on board a top production team to help with his creative vision for the play, with set design by Dale Ferguson, music by Alan John, choreography by Kate Champion, and lighting by Damien Cooper

He wins inspired, charged performances from his cast of twelve. The three leads are great. Marton Csokas is convincing as the powerful, egotistical, imposing Commander destined for a fall.

As Peribanez, Socratis Otto gives a touching performance of a virtuous, hard working man of integrity.

The performance of the night was Leeanna Walsman’s as Casilda. Walsman has a great stage presence, and there’s such a haunting, vulnerable quality about her voice. She captured her characters’ fragility and yet steadfastness.

The best supporting performance was by Sasha Horler as Casilda’s deceiving friend, Ines. Horler portrays her character as self centered, and lustful.