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February 4, 2005
Inheritance well spent
Studio 58's Diana of Dobson's is witty and well acted.
CYNTHIA RAMSAY
In the same league as An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde and
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, Diana of Dobson's
– written in 1908 by actress, writer and feminist activist
Cicely Hamilton – is full of humor and social commentary. Now
playing at Studio 58, it is a chance for Bulletin readers
to see a well-acted play with beautiful costumes and an eye-catching
set.
The story centres around Diana Massingberd, a shop assistant at
Dobson's drapery firm. When she receives a small inheritance, she
spends it on fancy clothes and travel - looking for a month-long
reprieve from her life of poverty and 14-hour work days. While in
the Swiss Alps, she is mistaken for an heiress and receives two
marriage proposals.
Among the issues Diana of Dobson's raises are the exploitation
of Britain's working class, the arrogance (and uselessness) of its
upper class and the economic options (including marriage) for women
at the time. The witty banter between Hamilton's characters requires
good timing and an ease with the language of the day, both of which
the actors in the Studio 58 production master. With Jewish community
member Jane Heyman – an award-winning director who has taught
acting at Studio 58 since 1985 and been associate director since
1992 – at the helm, it shouldn't be surprising that this show
is so well crafted.
Diana of Dobson's runs until Feb. 13. Call 604-257-0366 or visit
www.festivalboxoffice.com.
Studio 58 is located in the Main Building of Langara College.
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