“Few think they know this 1622 play, which scholars ascribe to Thomas Middleton (the central tragic plot) and William Rowley (a parallel madhouse plot, supposedly comic). But it has a high reputation among specialists and theater people, who love its extremity of story, language and moral catastrophe.

Surprisingly, “The Changeling” is directed with gusto by Jackie Maxwell. It’s not the gusto that’s surprising but that for the past 14 years she was artistic director at the Shaw Festival, where she never got to program anything like this. For me, it had the added oddity of my explaining to my grandson what the bizarre virginity test in the story is all about.”

What is unusual about Maxwell’s production is the complexity of Davies’ characterization, especially her enthusiastic sexual embrace of De Flores, even as her lust lives in such close proximity to her ongoing detestation of this sycophant with a price. The play thus becomes a meditation on a woman trapped by patriarchal modes of possession and whose only chance for sexual self-expression is with a man she hates. Davies is doing the best acting work on view at Stratford this year; Maxwell’s “The Changeling” teems with uncertainty, insecurity, pain and pleasure.

“this marvellously visual realization of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley’s at times gruesome, uncompromising tale of love run amuck is just about the finest work yet seen in these pages from the Shavian devotee.

Mikaela Davies gave a wonderfully nuanced performance as Beatrice-Joanna—a strong-willed woman intent on having the man of her dreams rather than dutifully accepting her father’s (David Collins was a model of stoicism as Vermandero) choice.”

The questionable morals and values of the characters, and the intense relationships between certain characters leave the audience feeling uncomfortable (as was likely intended by the playwrights) but the performances by the members of the company and the overall impact of the production itself, leaves the audience feeling exhilarated.

“Seeing the very different dramaturgy and philosophy of playwrights like Middleton and Rowley on stage gives us a point of comparison and contrast with Shakespeare that helps us understand better not just Shakespeare but the entire early modern period. Let’s hope that The Changeling leads to a further exploration of a time of enormous change that now feels more contemporary than ever.”

“It is a piece much lauded by scholars but unseen on the professional boards for three centuries. Once restored there’s been no stopping it. It’s become a staple of the British classic repertoire. In Canada, too, its star has risen; it now gets its second Stratford production.”

“This is just about as much fun as you’d expect, a robust romp through the Robert Louis Stevenson childhood classic, with a couple of surprise twists.”

Jackie Maxwell has directed a production that is eerie in atmosphere and brimming with seething passion.
The chemistry between De Flores and Beatrice-Joanna is that mix of revulsion and then a hopeless lust. Beatrice-Joanna is played by Mikaela Davies. She is confident, spoiled, seductive, coy and dangerous in her flirting.

“Beatrice-Joanna’s rapid sexual awakening, supplanting her virginal innocence at break-neck speed; Alonzo’s brother Tomazo’s (Rodrigo Beilfuss) never-ending search for the killer and perfunctory scenes of personal treachery and subterfuge produce a plot that would make Billy Wilder, director of the 1944 film noir classic Double Indemnity, green with envy…

The most compelling moments in the production take place between Davies and Carlson as both actors beautifully capture the inherent tension of their murderous, suddenly lusty relationship.”