Miss Julie

Belvoir Street Theatre is presenting 'Miss Julie' in an adaptation by Simon Stone of the original play by August Strindberg.

The original dates back to 1889 and in this production the timing is contemporary and the setting evidently Australia. In this update Miss Julie is the daughter of an ambitious politician and the object of her attentions, Jean, is employed as her driver and general security officer. The third character, Christine, is the housekeeper/cook and and long time fiancee of Jean.

In this version of the play events are modern and whilst the ending of the original play has been altered significantly the outcome remains believable and consistent with the events portrayed. Taylor Ferguson, in what I understand is her first professional stage performance as Julie, is outstanding and well matched with Brendan Cowell who is very effective in his tricky role of Jean. Blazey Best makes the most of the less defined character of Christine.

Warning: the play includes nudity and sex scenes

★★★★