Virginia Gay revives the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac with a gender-swapped, lesbian adaptation at the Park Theatre in London, aiming for authentic queer representation and a positive narrative.
In an exciting twist to a classic tale, Virginia Gay has revitalised the enduring story of “Cyrano de Bergerac” by presenting a gender-swapped, lesbian adaptation at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London. Set to run from 11 December to 11 January, the production aims to bring a fresh perspective to the play, which has seen numerous adaptations over the years, typically revolving around male and female characters.
Virginia Gay, who recently received a Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, shared her motivations for reimagining this iconic narrative during an interview with DIVA Magazine. She expressed her belief that portraying a queer female love story with a positive resolution is crucial for contemporary audiences. “My queer female friends and I always use this phrase ‘searching for scraps’. If you’re looking for a little lesbian substory in a pre-existing film, it can feel like you’re searching for scraps,” Gay noted. She continued, “Being able to give people a full meal is a huge part of it,” reflecting the desire for more substantial representation in theatre and the arts.
The adaptation not only seeks to showcase love between women but also recognises the power of theatre to both document and influence societal change. Gay emphasised that the original narrative posed a challenge: “I decided that if I was going to adapt this story, I could not be a part of something that says queer love is impossible and kills our gays.” Her commitment to crafting a narrative that reflects a more hopeful outlook on queer love is indicative of a broader shift in the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media.
The production builds upon the familiar themes of love and identity, pivoting away from the tragic elements often associated with its predecessors. Gay’s vision stems from a personal connection to the story, inspired by a previous adaptation she witnessed: “I saw James McAvoy in Jamie Lloyd’s Cyrano. There is no nose in that. Then you just see this incredibly beautiful, charismatic God of a human being who has decided that he is unworthy of love.” She highlighted how this notion resonates deeply with queer experiences, where societal perceptions of worthiness often distort personal narratives of love.
The production, while maintaining the essence of the original French play, serves as a celebration of queer voices and visibility, crucial in a landscape where authentic representation continues to evolve. As Gay’s adaptation heads to the stage, it promises to offer audiences not just a reworking of a conventional love story, but also a reflection of modern relationships and the invaluable presence of lesbian narratives in contemporary culture.
Tickets for this innovative portrayal of “Cyrano” are available through the Park Theatre’s booking platform, and the show is anticipated as a significant contribution to London’s vibrant theatre scene, especially in its efforts to highlight lesbian culture and queer representation.
Source: Noah Wire Services