‘The Wolf Queen’: A Shakespeare with the Worst of Shakespeare
A review of ‘La reina lloba’ criticizes its attempt to elevate the character of Margaret of Anjou from Shakespeare's works but ultimately fails due to its heavy focus on political intrigue.
The play ‘La reina lloba’, directed by Pau Carrió and starring Maria Rodríguez Soto as Margaret of Anjou, aims to present a fresh perspective on a character that has only been a minor figure in Shakespeare's works. However, the adaptation struggles with the considerable weight of political intrigue and conspiracies that saturate Shakespeare's original texts. While Rodríguez Soto brings a majestic presence to the role in promotional advertisements across Barcelona, the script appears to undermine her performance by focusing too heavily on these intricate plots rather than character development.
The review highlights that although the production was intended as a personalized tribute to the actress at a peak moment in her film career, it fails to entertain or resonate considerably with the audience. Critics suggest that the adaptation does not harness the full potential of kindling interest in Margaret of Anjou, leaving a sense of disappointment regarding the execution of Carrió’s vision. The attempt to reshape and highlight this historical figure instead ended up forgoing the dynamic storytelling expected in theatrical productions.
In conclusion, while ‘La reina lloba’ might have aimed to enrich the narrative of Margaret of Anjou, the result reflects a misalignment between the character's complexities and the demands of classic adaptation. This production is positioned within a contemporary context but struggles to draw from the engaging elements of the source material, leading to a theatrical experience that may not satisfy those seeking a compelling reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s themes.