South African premiere: "Cyprienne", a comedy about divorce, French-style

Anthony Storr-Lister (Henri ) and Olivia Thompson as Cyprienne. (Photography by Lynda Jennings)

Director Barrie Howard's choice of Cyprienne marks its first performance in South Africa. It has been translated and adapted by David Nicholson from Victorien Sardou's comic masterpiece "Divorcons" (which was a hit from its first performance in France in 1880).

A young wife Cyprienne - witty, impatient, passionate and playful - is bored with her older husband and wants to spread her wings. "Divorcons" was perceived at the time to be extremely saucy and was therefore not staged before English-speaking audiences.

In 2009 David Nicholson translated and adapted "Divorcons", changing its title to "Cyprienne" (the name of the main female character) and its period to the Roaring 1920s. Presumably the period change would make the situations, behaviour and attitudes to divorce in the play more convincing to modern audiences.

Cyprienne is a delicious, coquettish, manipulative and farcical look at divorce French style. It is presented by Constantiaberg Theatre Players at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg and runs from Friday May 24 until Saturday June 01 (excluding Sunday to Wednesday).

Tickets are R55 for matinees and Thursday night and R65 for other evening performances (Masque Theatre Club members enjoy a R10 discount).
Week nights are at 8pm and Saturdays at 2.30 and 6.30pm.
Book through Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898 (o/h) or email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za