In ‘De Eden Cinema,’ Mother and Children Endure a Doomed Existence on a Worthless Plantation

NRC Handelsblad presents a review of 'De Eden Cinema,' a stage adaptation of Marguerite Duras's 1977 play. The production, staged by Marlies Heuer and José Kuijpers with director Zephyr Brüggen, transports audiences to the oppressive atmosphere of colonial French Indochina in the 1920s and 30s. The review highlights the play's focus on the "tragic existence" of a French widow and her children on a plantation, a venture ruined by corrupt officials and the harsh realities of the land.

The reviewer notes the production's deliberate use of a subdued color palette and minimalist decor – "oppressive, yellow light," "grimy white clothing," and "brownish-yellow jute sacks" – to evoke the "smoky scent" and suffocating environment of the plantation. This visual approach effectively underscores the characters' desperate situation and their struggle to break free from a life of poverty and debt.

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Ik herinner me die geur van vuur over de kale vlakte. Overal die geur. Onder de hemel, de weg, wit en kaarsrecht.

Central to the narrative is the difficult choice faced by the children, Suzanne and Joseph, between escaping their circumstances and supporting their mother. Suzanne contemplates marrying a wealthy older man for his bride price, while Joseph grapples with his desire for independence versus his familial obligations. The review points out the nuanced performances, particularly Pleuni Veen as the young Suzanne, who embodies the search for love and a desperate energy. Marlies Heuer portrays the mother with "deep melancholy," a figure largely confined to her chair, her presence radiating a profound sense of loss.

The production's strength lies in its intimate portrayal of family dynamics under extreme duress and the lingering impact of colonial exploitation. The reviewer concludes that the play serves as a "heart-wrenching reminder" of individual suffering born from despair and the systemic injustices of a corrupt regime. The minimalist staging and dynamic music further enhance the tragic narrative, making it a powerful exploration of memory and resilience.

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Deze vertelling steekt als een hartverscheurende herinnering.