Cast announced for English language premiere of Farewell Mister Haffmann at Bath Theatre Royal
Casting has been announced for the English language premiere of Farewell Mister Haffmann.
Adam Blanshay Productions and Norel Productions present Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s piece at Bath Theatre Royal from 31 August – 23 September, with previews from 24 August.
Translated by Jeremy Sams, this new play will be directed by Lindsay Posner with a cast including Alexander Hanson, Lisa Dillon , Ciarán Owens, Josefina Gabrielle and Nigel Lindsay.
The French play Adieu Monsieur Haffman by Jean-Philippe Daguerre has been a commercial and critical success in France, winning four Molière Awards, including Best New Play. It has been one of the longest running plays in France and was recently made into a film starring Daniel Auteil.
The year is 1942. Paris is under Nazi occupation. Jews are being rounded up. Joseph Haffmann, a Jewish owner of a jewellery shop and his long- standing employee Pierre Vigneau change roles as part of a strange deal which could only take place against the background of an absurd and tragic reality.
Joseph Haffmann will transfer the ownership of the jewellery store to Pierre, but asks that Pierre hides him from the Nazis. In return, Pierre insists that that Joseph enter a very unusual arrangement with Isabelle, Pierre’s wife.
Add to that a Matisse painting, an ‘art loving’ Nazi officer and his outrageous wife, marital difficulties amplified by the bizarre domestic situation, it is no wonder that Pierre is driven to the brink.
The production has set and costume design by Paul Wills, lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound design and composition by Giles Thomas and casting by Serena Hill.
Jean-Philippe Daguerre said: “It’s an honour to collaborate with this esteemed team bringing my play to life for the first time in the English language. It’s such a wonderful gift as a playwright, and I cannot wait to see the production.”
Lindsay Posner added: “Set in Nazi occupied Paris Farewell Mister Haffmann provides an entertaining and moving exploration of individual and collective moral dilemmas. This play’s political relevance cannot be over-estimated.”
For more information and tickets, visit theatreroyal.org.uk
