The Lovers of Viorne

Synopsis

In a stark, minimalist room that echoes with the tension of unspoken truths and buried secrets.

Claire Lannes, a middle-aged French woman, stands at the centre of a harrowing investigation after brutally murdering and dismembering her deaf-mute cousin. The Lovers of Viorne by Marguerite Duras delves into the psychological intricacies of Claire’s mind as she is interrogated by Pierre Lannes, her husband, and the Inspector. The play unfolds through a series of intense conversations and monologues, revealing the motives and emotions behind Claire’s horrific act. Her relationship with Pierre, fraught with detachment and misunderstanding, forms the backbone of this chilling narrative.

Duras’ work is a profound exploration of guilt, love, and the human capacity for violence. As Claire recounts her actions and the events leading up to the crime, the audience is drawn into a web of psychological and emotional turmoil.