Review: Diivat

DIVAS AT THE HEART OF COMEDY

The Helsinki City Theatre’s Divas follow the structure of Shakespeare’s comedies. In the play, written by Ken Ludwig , the introduction of the beginning is followed by the actual beginning. The problems of the protagonists grow in a tangle of relationships, where male and female roles are mixed and confused. Couples fall in love with the cross. Inside the play are Shakespeare’s play clips with actors and rehearsals. In the end, the problems are solved. Lovers get each other. The joint ending begins an inner drama. Ludwig’s text feasts on Shakespeare and succeeds excellently.


The comedy directed by Neil Hardwick makes you laugh, at least once you get going. Sure, it’s amusing to see men in women’s clothes, but that’s not enough. And that’s not the comedic essence of this play.
At the beginning of the play, we are at the annual ball of the moose group. It is depicted by a huge log wall. Former star actors Leo Clark and Jack Gable play Shakespeare’s assembled scenes. No one wants them, the money is gone, and something has to be invented.
A real train pushes onto the scene. On the big stage, anything is possible.
Leo and Jack go for a scam. The train is allowed to stay and the American mansion dream opens up as the main stage. That’s where we stay until the end. Hannu Lindholm’s scenography surprises end here.


Esko Roineen Leo and Asko Sarkola’s Jack are aiming for millions. They dress up as Maxine and Stephanie, inevitably drifting into tight spots. The audience laughs. Sure, the men are amusing-looking, but what makes them laugh the most is their sincere aspiration. These actors have a clear goal. Its purpose is not to amuse with its appearance.

In his role, Esko Roine is a multi-layered living man who, even to his own surprise, really falls in love. He has an old friend, a rival, a charming ladies’ man and a warm-hearted Maxine. Roine is lightning fast in his reactions. He doesn’t try, he strives by striving, but shines by living the reality of Leo or Maxine. All in all.


Asko Sarkola’s Jack
is an excellent counterpart to Leo. The diva’s gestures start to taste good and the soup thickens. In the masterpiece of misunderstandings, Jack seduces the priest Duncan and fears being seduced. The audience howls with laughter.

Roine and Sarkola are the driving force behind the play. They don’t get confused by comedy, but are able to create a human framework for their amusing characters.

Santeri Kinnunen is a Duncan priest. He plays an important role in trying to thwart Jack and Leo’s goals. Kinnunen laughs with his physical slithering. He performs contradictory activities. Surprising movement language alone does not tell us who this priest is like.
The female characters in the play seem to be light enough and nice clothes. Individuals are often left in beautiful cocoons.<BR

Satu Silvo shines as Meg. He would like more from life, but the obligation to withhold. Silvo rushes restlessly across the stage, screaming and restraining himself. The silence reveals more about the character.
Marjatta Raidan Grandmother Florence creates a perceptive old woman in her small role. There is no hint of silliness, even if you are considered silly.
At its best, the play makes the audience greedy. He waits impatiently for every word and reaction. He hopes that there will be no end. And it won’t. The curtain falls: let the play begin.