Circa Theatre: The Lie

Proudly sponsored by Christopher Finlayson
The Lie
By Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton.
Directed by Ross Jolly
Starring Claire Dougan, Gavin Rutherford, Bronwyn Turei and Andrew Foster.
Circa One
7 April - 5 May
Tues – Thurs 6.30pm, Fri - Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm, $25 – $52

We now live in a world of “alternative facts”. If we can’t trust our leaders to be truthful, can we really trust our lovers?
Introducing Florian Zeller’s hot, new comedy.

There is no doubt that the French author Florian Zeller is the playwright de jour. His astonishingly brilliant play THE FATHER, a tragicomic take on dementia, was a highly acclaimed hit, both internationally and here in Wellington. And now he turns effortlessly to devious modern comedy.

Fresh from its recent sold-out London run comes the New Zealand premiere of Zeller's latest play, THE LIE an amusing take on truth, lies and infidelity. It features Zeller's hallmarks of sharp writing, a flirtatious desire to provoke and tease audiences.

Michel and Laurence are coming for dinner. But Alice has spotted Michel kissing another woman that very afternoon leaving her with the dilemma, should she tell her friend what she saw or not? Her husband Paul believes it is better to behave as if nothing has happened; Alice is far from sure. As their own relationship is held up to scrutiny …it becomes clear that some truths are best left unsaid…. In affairs of the heart, the line between truth and lie can be a dangerous one to cross.

Drawing from the rich vein of classic French comedies, THE LIE is a ruthless, witty examination of love and deceit in this age of ‘’alternative facts’’, ‘’fake news’’ and ‘’white lies’’. The great success of Zeller’s critically acclaimed plays owes much to the pitch-perfect translations by the highly successful Christopher Hampton (LES LIASON DANGEREUSES). The pairing of these two extraordinary talents is devastatingly effective. THE LIE is smart, surprising and painfully funny.

‘’This French writer Florian Zeller is certainly one very talented homme. I very much enjoyed directing THE FATHER and now (with a fantastic cast), am having great fun with THE LIE. I am amazed at Zeller’s versatility. He has pivoted from comic tragedy (THE FATHER) to thoughtful smart modern comedy. In THE LIE two couples find themselves ensnared in the spiraling tissue of deceit that keeps us intrigued and entertained. Zeller, a meticulous craftsman mines the comedy in the ever shifting layers of infidelity to devastating effect… and exposes some of the hypocrisies which sustain modern life. It is indeed a devious must see.’’ -Ross Jolly, Director

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