Review: Pride and Prejudice on stage in Klagenfurt, Austria
Alert Janeite Sylvia kindly sent us some comments on the stage version of Pride and Prejudice recently staged at the University in Klagenfurt, Austria. We understand that a few AustenBloggers were fortunate enough to attend. –Ed.
This week saw the extraordinary occasion of a stage performance of P&P by the INEPT theatre group at the university in Klagenfurt/Austria, I dare say extraordinary in the German language area.
And the best thing: I was there!!! *happy dance* I am also very happy to share some (first) impressions with you.
I went to Klagenfurt suffering 2 hours of hunger and thirst on the overheated train. But boy, was it worth it. 
First we (me and my brother) were greeted by a charming Georgiana Darcy, who sold the tickets. Then I and about 150 (?, someone from INEPT may correct me) other people waited for the spectacle to begin.
In a nutshell: It was all very funny and well performed by all.
I especially liked Caroline Bingley, who was a real arrogant bitch and Lydia, who was an exuberant pain in the ass, just as she ought to be.
Darcy and Elizabeth were cute, Mr. Collins a riot and Mary sang VERY ill indeed! LOL!!! (“Slumber dear maid” and “My mother bids me …” just like in P&P2!)
In the intermission I asked “Charlotte Lucas” if there would be some pictures on the net for me to post here. She didn’t know, but showed me to Mr.Gardiner/Colonel Forster afterwards, who sent me the following link for you to see. (Thanks Matthias!) Click on the images to enlarge and make sure you scroll down to the Pemberley gallery! *g*
http://inept.uni-klu.ac.at/photo/sp2006/sp2006.html
All in all it was very funny and I especially loved the said gallery scene at Pemberley and Collins’ sorry proposal.
Oh and yes, in the piano scene at Rosings, Lizzy played the theme from “The Sting”, which caused Darcy to remark on his dislike for “modern music”. *grin*
It seemed quite P&P2-ish all together (esp. the Hunsford proposal), which is a definite plus IMO. Proof that it is possible to fit a nice version of P&P into 2 1/2 hours.
Thanks, Sylvia, for the review and link to photos. I especially like the “portrait gallery” at Pemberley! I couldn’t quite make out something – with the minimalistic sets, did they project pictures of scenery and houses on the back wall? Too bad this can’t be a travelling production so we all could see it!
Hi i was so relieved to find a website that shared my passion in literature i am a thirty-five year old single woman and its nice to have some romance in my life. Although i am still waiting for My Mr. Darcy, have no fear women alone out there like me, he will come some day. I recently read this book and reconmend it to all. Pride and Prejudice was phenomenal thank you Jane Austen from the grave, I know you can hear me for you are our sister in spirit! Also my cat just had a healthy litter of kittens so if any one is interested please resond and i will give you my fax number. Keep reading Janeites!!! Be sure to remember the Austen values in all that you do! Austen Salute!
did they project pictures of scenery and houses on the back wall?
Yes, they projected Longborn, the Netherfield ballroom etc. on the wall!
A traveling production? I think they do’t even know what a success this could be!
I am just going to have to see this production. It sounds fabulous. Maybe with all that extra money I’ve saved from birthday cards since I was six I can fly over to Klagenfurt to see it! How exciting!! If only I could find someone to care for my cats. But that won’t be a problem. I’ll go out and find someone lickity split! And while I’m out I’ll go buy a one way ticket to Klagenfurt. I’ll worry about my ticket back later. This is so exciting I can hardly contain myself. Have to go Janeites. Will reply later.
~bernice ann