THERESE RAQUIN

by Sands, Leslie

A skilful adaptation of the 19th Century novel with a special twist to Zola’s original ending. This well-paced and gripping tale of retribution provides a penetrating study of sexual obsession and guilt. The play tells the story of the secret affair between Therese Raquin and her husband’s best friend, Laurent, and reveals the strength of the passion which incites them to murder. The murder, however, leads to neither happiness nor liberation, but to the destruction of their relationship and their eventual downfall. “Plunging straight into the passionate relationship between Therese and the artist, Laurent, (the play) compresses the carefully constructed preamble to the central crime .. (the couple) pass from a stimulating clandestine indulgence through a chilling climax to the wastes of destructive circumspection.” [Daily Telegraph]