Wickedly funny operetta ridicules extreme views

Murder, executions, religious persecution and bodily mutilation seem unlikely candidates for comedy – but combining them with a sophisticated opera has led to a tongue-in-cheek send-up of extremist views. Adapted from Voltaire’s novella, Candide is described as a “fiercely funny comic operetta” satirising fashionable 18th century philosophies, such as the Catholic church’s inquisition that routinely tortured and killed heretics. Directed by Kevin Langoulant at Playlovers in Floreat, he said Candide was a timely reminder of religious and political extremes. “At the time of writing, the US was going through McCarthyism [making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without evidence] and this affected most of the original writers of the show,” he said. “Like Voltaire, they gave a light-hearted view of a serious matter. Once again, it is time to remind people that extreme views can be held to ridicule.” Langloulant says Candide has a strong story and complex music but it’s rarely presented in its full form. “A new production by the Royal National Theatre in London in 1999 presented a fresh look at the show,” he said. “It went back to its roots and the Voltaire original more than many previous productions that stressed the comic and ignored the serious angles. “The strength of the Playlovers company provides a cast able to handle the complex music without losing the depth of the drama in the story.” With Candide, he believes this complexity of music will be his greatest challenge. “Voltaire's book is one of the classics of Western literature but is actually a light and somewhat ridiculous story," Langoulant said. “It ridicules the strongly held beliefs of its time by showing how absurd they become when taken to extremes. “To cover all this in a two-hour comic opera and still be entertaining is a challenge.” Candide plays at 8pm, July 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 and 7pm, July 10 and 17. Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book on 0415 777 173 or bookings@playlovers.org.au. Playlovers is located at Hackett Hall, Draper Street (off Underwood Avenue), Floreat. More information about Playlovers is at www.playlovers.org.au.