The Love's Labour's Lost review of this new Spanish-infused staging reveals how director Indiana Lown-Collins turns Shakespeare's early comedy into a vibrant fiesta, complete with flamenco, bullfighting, and paella. This radical reimagining, set in the summer of 2026, swaps Navarre for a sun-drenched Spanish court, where every gesture and word feels hotter and more passionate.
Shakespeare's original plot follows three young men who swear off women and food for three years of study, only to be immediately tested by a visiting princess and her ladies. In this version, the action is punctuated by dramatic flamenco sequences and a choreographed bullfight, making the romantic longing and underlying violence of the play visually stunning. The production, playing this summer in Guildford and Richmond, offers a fresh take that even purists may appreciate, as it solves the play's famously inconclusive ending with a unifying link to Much Ado About Nothing.
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Flamenco and Bullfighting: The Heart of This Production
The most striking element of this Shakespeare fiesta is the integration of Spanish dance and movement. Choreographer Carmen Igarza and pre-Hispanic movement consultant Vanessa Guevara have created routines that regularly stop the show. Pablo Egea's spectacularly danced bullfight as the tauran prey is a highlight, capturing both the elegance and aggression of the original deer hunt.
The flamenco sequences are not mere decoration; they reflect the play's themes of desire, discipline, and violence. The translation also embraces Spanish culture, with 'adieu' becoming 'adios' and a repast specified as paella, grounding the production in a believable, sensory world.
How This Revival Compares to Traditional Stagings
| Aspect | Traditional Staging | This Spanish Fiesta Version |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Navarre, France | Spain, with Spanish language flourishes |
| Key Visuals | Deer hunting, courtly manners | Choreographed bullfighting, flamenco dance |
| Ending | Abrupt deferral of marriages | Linked with Much Ado About Nothing, more resolution |
| Cultural Elements | Minimal, focused on text | Paella, flamenco, Spanish music and dance |
This table highlights how the production's choices make the play more accessible and visually engaging, especially for audiences unfamiliar with Shakespeare's early work. The director's concept, while radical, serves the text by externalizing its emotional conflicts.
Key Takeaways from the Love's Labour's Lost Review
- Radical but effective: The Spanish setting and dance sequences illuminate the play's themes without overshadowing the language.
- Outstanding choreography: The flamenco and bullfighting scenes are the production's standout moments, earning applause.
- Unifying concept: Pairing with Much Ado About Nothing provides a satisfying narrative arc, addressing the original's abrupt ending.
- Accessible for newcomers: The visual spectacle and cultural touchpoints make this an ideal entry point for those new to Shakespeare.
- Strong performances: The cast, led by Pablo Egea, delivers physical and emotional precision.
While some rewriting introduces substantial changes, the overall effect is a celebration of Shakespeare's farce that feels both fresh and respectful. The production's success lies in its ability to make an early, often overlooked play feel urgent and entertaining.
FAQ
What makes this Love's Labour's Lost production unique?
What makes this Love's Labour's Lost production unique?
This version is set in Spain, with flamenco dance, a choreographed bullfight, and Spanish language translations, turning the play into a vibrant fiesta that highlights themes of passion and violence.
Is this staging suitable for Shakespeare purists?
Is this staging suitable for Shakespeare purists?
Yes, because the directorial concept solves the play's famously inconclusive ending by linking it with Much Ado About Nothing, and the Spanish setting adds depth without losing the original dialogue's essence.
Where and when can I see this production?
Where and when can I see this production?
The production is playing outdoors this summer in Guildford and Richmond, with performances scheduled throughout the season. Check local listings for exact dates and venues.
In conclusion, this Love's Labour's Lost review recommends the production for its bold, entertaining approach. Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast or a newcomer, the flamenco, bullfighting, and paella make this a memorable theatrical experience.
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