Time Out Feature

Press Release

Continuing in the White Bear Theatre’s wonderful tradition of staging lost classics, a new theatre company, Black and White Rainbow, presents Lope de Vega’s Madness in Valencia.
Floriano has killed the Prince of Spain and fled, the army of Spain on his heels. Erifila has run away from her father’s house to escape an abhorrent arranged marriage. Uncertain of their futures and fearing for their lives they are forced to feign madness and hide in Valencia’s famed asylum, only to become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust, madness and mistaken identity.
One of Vega’s greatest comedies, Madness in Valencia is littered with devices shared with his English contemporary, Shakespeare. With Twelfth Night-esque feigned madness, the confusions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a resolution worthy of The Comedy of Errors.
As Floriano and Erifila fall deeper into their assumed roles, and even deeper in love, they are surrounded by some of Vega’s most eccentric and bestloved characters. Together they lead us through the asylum as events descend into glorious farce.
Simon Evans, Black and White Rainbow’s artistic director, directs Vega’s life-affirming and vibrant comedy, which runs the glorious gamut of utterly insane romance. He is attracted to the joyful parade of language and character, loaded with poetry and brilliant conversation; as well as the gentle satire, slapstick and passion.
Simon Evans has previously directed over ten full productions at university, including Henry V, A Delicate Balance and Singin’ in the Rain. In 2007 he directed a series of three shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and began delivering workshops for the National Theatre. In London he has directed for the Old Vic 24 Hour Plays as well as Pause to Wonder (Hen and Chickens), Hours ‘till Autumn (Riverside Studios)and InSite (Battersea Barge).In addition to Madness in Valencia he is currently developing Who Is Rachel, a miniseries for Channel4.com and preparing to direct a new play, Firefly Heartbeat.
Simon Evans and Black and White Rainbow would like to invite you to their energetic staging of Madness in Valencia, a play that reflects on how bewildering, yet utterly pleasurable, love can be.